Rytas Vilnius CEO Martynas Giga has provided new details on how the qualifying tournament for the inaugural NBA Europe season is expected to work, with eight teams set to compete for two spots.

The qualifying tournament is expected to feature eight teams, with two places in the inaugural NBA Europe season up for grabs. Rytas Vilnius CEO Martynas Giga revealed the details during a press conference in Vilnius on Thursday.

NBA Europe qualification format

According to Giga, the two Basketball Champions League finalists will receive direct places in the first NBA Europe season. The other two teams in the qualifying tournament will be the clubs eliminated in the BCL semifinals.

The field will then be completed by six teams from the highest-ranked domestic leagues.

«The two Basketball Champions League finalists will get direct spots for NBA Europe. The qualifying tournament will consist of the two teams that lose in the BCL semifinals and six teams from the highest-ranked domestic leagues», Giga explained.

Rytas Vilnius expects to compete in NBA Europe qualifiers

Rytas Vilnius is expected to participate in the qualifying tournament, although its involvement will depend on the team’s final position in the LKL.

«From what we understand, Rytas should be participating. Obviously, it depends on our results in the domestic league. That’s why the LKL is important to us, and we’re not writing it off», Giga said.

The qualifying tournament is expected to take place after the end of the season, which has also influenced Rytas’ roster planning and contract decisions.

Eight teams competing for two NBA Europe spots

Giga added that the location of the qualifying tournament has not yet been determined.

«I don’t have the details on where the qualification tournament will take place yet, but the expectation is that eight teams will be participating in it, with two clubs receiving a place in NBA Europe», the Rytas CEO added.

Giga’s comments are consistent with previous statements from Basketball Champions League CEO Patrick Comninos, who confirmed that the BCL champion and finalist in the 2026-27 season will qualify directly for the inaugural NBA and FIBA-backed competition.

Rytas Vilnius jokes about winning the BCL too early

Rytas Vilnius won the Basketball Champions League last season, potentially giving the Lithuanian club a direct route into the inaugural NBA Europe season.

Giga admitted that the club has repeatedly joked about winning the competition «too early».

«We joked 100 times already that we won it too early. That said, if we did it last year, maybe there’s a chance to repeat it this season», Giga concluded.