Fenerbahce down Galatasaray to claim EuroLeague Women title

Fenerbahce Opet emerged victorious in an all-Turkish showdown on Sunday in Zaragoza, Spain, defeating Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring 68-55 to win the EuroLeague Women basketball championship. The victory marked Fenerbahce’s third European title, further cementing Turkish women’s basketball’s rise on the continental stage. Both Istanbul giants struggled offensively in the opening minutes, with Fenerbahce holding a narrow 17-16 edge after the first quarter, countering Galatasaray’s strong defensive presence in the paint.

Momentum swings and halftime lead

Galatasaray briefly seized control in the second quarter, mounting an 8-0 run to go ahead 27-25. However, Fenerbahce responded effectively through inside scoring, led by Iliana Rupert, and carried a 37-32 advantage into halftime. The see-saw battle reflected the intense rivalry between the two Turkish powerhouses, both of whom have invested heavily in women’s basketball in recent years.

Second-half dominance

Fenerbahce extended their lead in the third quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Julie Allemand, maintaining control despite efforts from Galatasaray’s Williams and Smalls. The Istanbul side entered the final period ahead 51-45. In the fourth quarter, Fenerbahce pulled away, stretching the margin to double digits and sealing a 68-55 victory to secure the 2025-2026 EuroLeague Women crown. For Türkiye, the all-Turkish final represented a historic achievement, showcasing the depth and quality of the country’s women’s basketball league on Europe’s biggest stage.