Caledonia Gladiators to compete in BCL Qualifiers once more
Caledonia Gladiators will return for a second attempt as one of the 24 clubs who will be competing in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Qualifiers in the coming season.
Gladiators will be vying for one of four remaining slots in the Regular Season, having fell at the opening stage last season against Fribourg.
“We are thrilled to be heading to Europe to compete against a string of international clubs as we fight for a slot within the Champions League tournament,” Tony McDaid, CEO at Caledonia Gladiators, said.
“It’s fantastic to represent British basketball and we’re gearing up over summer to get ready for next season to be in the best possible shape as we take on fierce competition from across Europe.”
They become the first British team to be confirmed as competing in Europe for the coming season, with London Lions having been omitted from the EuroCup.
Meanwhile, Hoopsfix has learned both Bristol Flyers and Newcastle Eagles will be playing in the European North Basketball League (ENBL) for a second straight season.
A suite of 28 clubs have already been announced as part of the BCL Regular Season lineup and have secured their space within the tournament, following their success within their respective national leagues, with domestic champions being granted an automatic spot should they wish to take it.
Caledonia will be drawn as part of four tournaments, with the winner of each advancing to the Regular Season. There are some strong opponents in the qualifying rounds, including PAOK (Greece), Baskets Bonn (Germany), Cholet (France) and Sassari (Italy).
The draw ceremony for the Regular Season groups and the Qualification Round tournaments will take place at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball at 11:00 CEST on Wednesday, June 26 and will be live streamed on the official BCL YouTube channel.
Following the draw, the Qualification Round tournaments will take place in mid-September, while the Regular Season will get underway on October 1, 2024.
Should Caledonia Gladiators fail to qualify for the BCL Regular Season, its European journey will continue in the FIBA Europe Cup group stages.
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