Wikipedia - FIBA Europe Cup

The FIBA Europe Cup (FEC) is an annual professional club basketball competition organised by FIBA for eligible European clubs. It is FIBA's second level competition. Clubs mainly qualify based on their performance in national leagues and cup competitions, although this is not the sole deciding factor. The winner is decided by a two-legged final.

The league was founded in 2015 as a replacement of the FIBA EuroChallenge.

History

Scene of the first leg of the 2017 FIBA Europe Cup Final

On June 30, 2015, FIBA announced it would start a new league to compete with Euroleague Basketball's EuroCup. The new competition, which replaced EuroChallenge, was supposed to be open for up to 100 teams to enter. A former 4th-tier FIBA competition, the FIBA EuroCup Challenge, was named as FIBA Europe Cup between 2003 and 2005.

The 2015–16 FIBA Europe Cup attracted 16 domestic champions and 8 runners-up including KK Cibona, Pallacanestro Cantu, ASVEL, Pallacanestro Varese, CEZ Nymburk, BK Ventspils, PBC Academic and Krka. The first FIBA Europe Cup game was played on October 21, 2015, when Donar Groningen beat Egis Körmend 78–71. Frankfurt Skyliners won the 1st edition in a Final Four tournament and represented Europe in the 2016 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, following the FIBA-EuroLeague dispute. In the 2016–17 season, FIBA started the Basketball Champions League and since then teams from the Champions League can be transferred to the Europe Cup through their position.

The FIBA Europe Cup is an exhilarating basketball tournament that showcases the best teams from across Europe. Organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), this prestigious competition brings together professional clubs from various European countries to compete for the coveted title.

The tournament features a thrilling format, with teams battling it out in a series of intense matches. The participating clubs are carefully selected based on their performance in their respective national leagues, ensuring that only the most skilled and competitive teams make it to the FIBA Europe Cup.

The FIBA Europe Cup offers a platform for both established and emerging basketball clubs to showcase their talent and compete against some of the strongest teams in Europe. It provides an opportunity for players to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and strategic prowess on the court.

The tournament is known for its high level of competition, with teams employing various tactics and strategies to outsmart their opponents. The matches are filled with fast-paced action, incredible displays of athleticism, and nail-biting moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The FIBA Europe Cup also serves as a platform for fostering international basketball camaraderie and promoting cultural exchange. Teams from different countries come together, bringing their unique playing styles and basketball traditions, creating an atmosphere of diversity and unity.

The tournament culminates in an electrifying final, where the two best teams battle it out for the championship title. The final match is a culmination of weeks of intense competition, and it often showcases the pinnacle of basketball excellence.

The FIBA Europe Cup is not only a thrilling sporting event but also a celebration of the passion and dedication that basketball brings to Europe. It attracts a wide range of basketball enthusiasts, from die-hard fans to casual spectators, who come together to witness the excitement and drama that unfolds on the court.

Overall, the FIBA Europe Cup is a must-watch tournament for basketball fans, offering a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and international competition. It is a showcase of the best European basketball talent and a testament to the enduring popularity and global appeal of the sport.