As the 2026‑27 Basketball Champions League draws nearer, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The upcoming Qualification Rounds will set the stage for the regular season, prompting clubs to fine‑tune their line‑ups with experienced talent.
Frontcourt upgrades across Europe
In Turkey, Glint Korfez has secured the services of Alex Reese, a 27‑year‑old forward who brings NBA pedigree from stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder. His addition is expected to fortify the frontcourt and add a dynamic scoring option. Meanwhile, Yukatel Merkezefendi has announced the arrival of veteran Erten Gazi, a 29‑year‑old who captained Anadolu Efes to back‑to‑back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles in 2021 and 2022, bringing leadership and a championship pedigree to the squad. Across the Adriatic, Peristeri Betsson has integrated Giorgos Gkiouzel into a revamped roster that also features Will Carius and Jalen Finch, all under the guidance of head coach Vassilis Xanthopoulos, who hopes the new pieces can translate into a competitive edge.
German side eyes Slovenian camp
Telekom Baskets Bonn has penciled in a preseason agreement with Marcus Foster, a 24‑year‑old guard‑forward. The deal will see Foster work on his conditioning during a training camp in Slovenia, where the German side hopes to sharpen its depth before the domestic campaign.
In Portugal, Benfica has committed to a four‑year contract with Luis Silva, a 22‑year‑old who is viewed as a cornerstone for the club’s long‑term strategy. Silva’s versatility and offensive instincts are expected to make him a pivotal figure in the team’s pursuit of European success.
Benfica’s long‑term vision
The convergence of these signings underscores a broader trend: clubs are targeting a blend of NBA experience, proven European champions and emerging prospects to meet the rising competitiveness of the tournament. As rosters take shape, fans can anticipate a season filled with high‑stakes matchups and strategic chess moves on the court.