Teams
CSKA Moscow
Zenit St. Petersburg
Unics Kazan
Lokomotiv Kuban
Nizhny Novgorod
Avtodor Saratov
Astana
Enisey Krasnoyarsk
Tsmoki Minsk
Khimki Moscow Region
Parma Perm
Kalev/Cramo
VEF Riga
MBA Moscow
Samara
Oktyabr
Zielona Gora
ERA Nymburk
Bisons Loimaa
Uralmash Ekaterinburg
Runa Moscow
Rytas Vilnius
Spartak St. Petersburg
Azovmash Mariupol
Wikipedia - VTB United League
VTB United League (Russian: Единая Лига ВТБ) is an international professional men's club basketball league that was founded in 2009. It is made up of mostly Russian clubs, along with one each from Belarus and Kazakhstan. Since 2013, it is the first tier of Russian professional club basketball. Therefore, the highest placed Russian team in the league can also be named the Russian national champions. The league is sponsored by Russian state-owned VTB Bank. In 2009 CSKA Moscow won VTB United League Promo-Cup, but this competition does not count as official VTB title. CSKA has dominated the league, having won majority of titles its existence. The VTB United League also holds a youth competition, the VTB United Youth League.
History
The first step in the creation of the league was a competition named the VTB United League Promo-Cup held in Moscow in December 2009. The final of the Promo-Cup was played on December 22, 2009, and was won by CSKA Moscow, who defeated Khimki 70–66. Kyiv ended third.
Unification with the Russian PBL
In May 2012, all the PBL clubs gathered to decide which format would be used for the next season, and some club's directors raised the possibility of uniting with the VTB United League, to produce greater competition between the Russian basketball clubs. They suggested that the new league be named the Eastern European Professional Basketball League.
In July 2012, the Council of VTB United League decided that the PBL league would continue for one more year, with some games of the VTB United League that took place between two Russian clubs being counted as PBL games. The first tier Russian clubs then replaced the PBL with the VTB United League as their new national domestic league, starting with the 2013-14 season.[]
The VTB United League was recognized by FIBA Europe in September 2013. The league was then officially recognized by FIBA World in October 2014. The league needed to be recognized by both bodies, because it contains clubs that come from countries that are part of both the European and Asian FIBA zones.[]
The honorary head of the league is Sergei Ivanov and its official sponsor is Pavel Vrublevsky of ChronoPay.
The tournament features teams from countries such as Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and Latvia, among others, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere. With a strong emphasis on promoting basketball excellence, the VTB United League attracts top-tier clubs, including those that have previously competed in EuroLeague and EuroCup competitions.
The VTB United League showcases the immense talent and skill of both established and emerging basketball stars. Fans can witness electrifying dunks, precision three-point shooting, and intense defensive battles as teams battle it out for the coveted championship title.
The tournament format consists of a regular season followed by playoffs, where the top teams compete in a series of knockout matches to determine the ultimate winner. The games are played in state-of-the-art arenas, providing an immersive experience for both players and spectators.
The VTB United League not only offers thrilling basketball action but also serves as a platform for fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. The tournament brings together players, coaches, and fans from different backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive basketball community.
With its rich history and commitment to excellence, the VTB United League has become a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the very best of basketball talent.