CSKA Moscow Set to Return to EuroLeague in 2027-28 Season

CSKA Moscow, a prominent Russian basketball club, is reportedly on track to rejoin the EuroLeague in the 2027-28 season. The club has been absent from Europe's top basketball competition since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, despite remaining a part-owner of the league. According to Russian reports, there is now a plan to reinstate CSKA to the EuroLeague as official restrictions preventing their participation have been lifted recently.

The initial suspension of CSKA from the EuroLeague was due to Olympic Committee sanctions against Russian athletes, which were removed about a week and a half ago. However, significant logistical challenges remain, particularly regarding the venue for CSKA's home games. It is considered unlikely that the team will be allowed to host games in Russia itself. To address this, options are being explored to hold home matches at neutral locations, with Serbia and Turkey emerging as leading candidates.

CSKA Moscow is a historically successful club, having won eight European championships and reached 18 EuroLeague Final Fours since the early 2000s. Their last EuroLeague game took place on October 10, 2022, when they lost 84-75 to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The potential return marks a significant development in European basketball amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.