The Italian basketball courts are once again set to sizzle as the 2025-26 Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) season tips off. Just a few months removed from Virtus Bologna`s hard-fought championship victory over Germani Brescia, the league stands on the brink of another captivating chapter. This season promises a familiar rivalry at the top, a host of ambitious challengers, and the perennial, nail-biting fight for survival. From seasoned powerhouses to determined newcomers, LBA is gearing up for a spectacle of skill, strategy, and pure Italian passion.
The Unassailable Apex: Bologna and Milano Lead the Charge
Virtus Segafredo Bologna
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #2)
The reigning champions, Virtus Bologna, return to defend their title, and if their off-season moves are any indication, they haven`t been resting on their laurels. Despite significant roster changes – often a recipe for instability – Bologna appears to have emerged stronger, a testament to astute management and a clear vision. Their blend of veteran wisdom and fresh, aggressive talent makes them a formidable force. One might even muse that while other teams are still optimizing their spreadsheets, Bologna has already field-tested their championship algorithm. Expect them to be as relentless as ever in their pursuit of back-to-back glory.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milano
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #1)
On the other side of the perennial rivalry, Olimpia Milano (EA7 Emporio Armani Milano) is poised for what they undoubtedly hope will be a triumphant rebound. Last season, deemed “disappointing” by their demanding standards (which, for most clubs, would be a wildly successful year), has fueled an aggressive roster expansion. Milano`s strategy is clear: infuse depth, versatility, and sheer talent to conquer both domestic and EuroLeague fronts. With an embarrassment of riches on their bench, the narrative for this season will be less about capability and more about execution. They are, after all, expected to win, and failure to do so with this roster would certainly raise an eyebrow or two.
The Ambitious Bloc: Contenders Eyeing the Throne
Umana Reyer Venezia
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #3)
Venezia consistently hovers near the top, and this season is no exception. With a well-structured approach and strategic additions, Reyer aims to not just secure a playoff berth but to genuinely challenge the dominance of Milano and Bologna. Their cohesion and tactical discipline often make them a nightmare opponent, capable of dismantling even the strongest teams on a given night.
Germani Brescia
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #4)
Last season`s finalists, Germani Brescia, earned their stripes and are eager to prove their deep playoff run was not a fleeting moment. Their goal is to cement their status among the league`s elite. Brescia`s blend of tenacity and talent, particularly on their home court, makes them a dangerous proposition for any contender.
Trapani Shark
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #5)
Trapani enters the season looking to build on previous promising performances and solidify their place in the playoff landscape. No longer a surprise package, they`ve become a team that commands respect and has the firepower to cause trouble for anyone above them in the standings.
Derthona Basket Tortona
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #6)
Tortona has quietly, yet effectively, established itself as a consistent playoff contender. Their disciplined team play and smart recruitment make them a perennial dark horse, always capable of a deeper push than some might anticipate.
Dolomiti Energia Trento
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #7)
Trento is renowned for punching above its weight. A well-drilled unit with excellent team chemistry, they are poised to battle fiercely for a playoff spot, known for their ability to make life difficult for even the most well-resourced opponents.
Pallacanestro Trieste
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #8)
Trieste carries the ambition to be this season`s surprise package. With flashes of brilliance in their arsenal, the challenge for them will be consistency – turning potential into a sustained playoff push and shaking up the established order.
The Mid-Table Mix: Playoff Dreams and Solid Footing
GeVi Napoli Basket
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #9)
Napoli aims to consolidate its position in the league. With a revamped roster blending experience and youthful energy, they will be striving for a strong mid-table finish, with an outside chance of sneaking into the playoff picture.
Pallacanestro Cantù
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #10)
The return of Cantù to Serie A is one of the season`s most anticipated stories. A club steeped in history, they are not returning merely to participate; expect an ambitious campaign aimed at re-establishing their place among Italy`s basketball elite.
UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #11)
Reggio Emilia typically fields a solid, competitive squad. Their focus will be on maintaining a comfortable distance from the relegation zone while potentially pushing for a respectable mid-table finish through grit and tactical execution.
NutriBullet Treviso Basket
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #12)
Treviso faces the perennial challenge of establishing consistency in a highly competitive league. Their season will be a battle, with every game offering an opportunity to prove their mettle and secure their Serie A future.
Banco di Sardegna Sassari
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #13)
Sassari, fueled by passionate support, will be looking to defy its projected ranking. Known for surprising performances, especially on their formidable home court, they will be a tough opponent for any visiting team seeking an easy win.
The Gritty Trenches: Battling for Survival
APU Old Wild West Udine
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #14)
For Udine, the primary objective is straightforward: a “tranquil salvation.” Avoiding the anxieties of a relegation dogfight will demand consistent effort, shrewd tactics, and extracting maximum value from every single game. Expect a team that fights for every possession.
Openjobmetis Varese
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #15)
Another historic club, Varese, finds itself in the intense battle to avoid the drop. Their season will be a true test of character, defined by crucial victories against direct competitors and the occasional upset against stronger opposition. A season of high stakes and nerve-wracking finishes awaits.
Vanoli Cremona
(Gazzetta.it Projected Rank: #16)
Positioned at the lower end of the projected rankings, Cremona faces perhaps the steepest climb. Their fight for Serie A survival will be a continuous exhibition of resilience, demanding extraordinary effort in every game to defy the odds. But as history often reminds us, basketball has a charming way of producing unexpected heroes when the stakes are highest.
As the curtains rise on the 2025-26 LBA season, the stage is undeniably set for another thrilling basketball spectacle. From the high-stakes duels between Bologna and Milano to the fierce competitions for playoff spots and the gritty, determined fights against relegation, Italian basketball promises a blend of passion, skill, and unpredictable drama. Prepare for an exhilarating chapter in the rich and storied history of Serie A basketball!
