FIBA Europe Cup Final: Bilbao Basket and PAOK Set for Rematch with Unfinished Business

The 2025-26 FIBA Europe Cup final is set for a revenge storyline. Surne Bilbao Basket and PAOK BC will face off again for the title in a direct repeat of last season's decisive playoff series, when the Basque club claimed the championship after a hard-fought battle.

Now, both teams meet again with the first leg scheduled for April 22 in Thessaloniki, while the second leg will take place on April 29 in Bilbao, where the new champion will be crowned.

Bilbao Seeks to Make History

The team based in Bilbao arrives as the defending champion with the opportunity to become the first club capable of defending the title in the competition's history. Additionally, they maintain an important core of the squad that won the trophy last season, something that could make a difference in a final of the highest level.

Their European run has been dominant. After falling in the opening matchday to Peristeri Betsson, Bilbao rattled off 15 consecutive victories, with an average margin of 26.4 points. They lead the competition in scoring with 94.7 points per game, shoot 50.2% from the field, and boast one of the tournament's best three-point threats.

On the individual front, Justin Jaworski (15.4 points), Melwin Pantzar (6.9 assists), and Tryggvi Hlinason stand out as an intimidating presence near the basket.

PAOK Seeks Revenge and to Break the Greek Barrier

The Greek squad, with a roster almost completely renewed compared to last year, arrives hungry for redemption after falling short in 2025. Their path to the final was not easy either, eliminating UCAM Murcia by a tight 164-162 aggregate in the semifinals.

PAOK holds an 11-5 record and is one of the tournament's best offenses with 86.9 points per game. Additionally, their home-court strength will be key: they have lost only once at home this European season… and it was precisely against Bilbao.

The main offensive focus is on Breein Tyree, one of the championship's most explosive scorers with 17.4 points per game and a 43.5% three-point percentage.

Recent Head-to-Head Favors Bilbao

Recent matchups reinforce Bilbao's confidence. The Spanish club has won three of the last four meetings between the two teams.

In last year's final, Bilbao won 72-65 in the first leg and, although they lost 84-82 in the second leg, it was enough to lift the trophy. This season they also faced off in the second phase, with two more Basque victories: 95-73 in Bilbao and 88-87 in Thessaloniki, decided by a crucial free throw from Jaworski.

Tactical Key: Pantzar vs. Tyree

One of the most attractive individual matchups will be in the backcourt. Melwin Pantzar, Bilbao's playmaker and floor general, against the offensive firepower of Tyree, PAOK's primary outside threat.

Interestingly, Tyree failed to record double figures just twice in this FIBA Europe Cup… and both times were against Bilbao.

A Final with History on the Line

Bilbao aims for a second title and to enter history as the first back-to-back champion. PAOK, meanwhile, seeks to become the first Greek team to win the competition.

Everything is set for a final with tension, revenge, and high-level competition between two clubs that know each other all too well.