Liège will make its return to the European stage after a 13-year absence and compete in the European North Basketball League (ENBL) next season, the club and organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
Founded in 2021 and supported by FIBA Europe (the European International Basketball Federation), the ENBL is considered the fifth European club competition behind the Euroleague and Eurocup (organised by Euroleague Basketball), and the Champions League and FIBA Europe Cup (organised by FIBA).
Contrary to what the name suggests, the ENBL is not made up solely of northern European countries. Last season, clubs from Poland, the Baltic States, Scandinavia and Kosovo took part in the competition.
For the 2023-2024 season, clubs from Bulgaria, Romania and Israel have already confirmed their participation, as have Dutch side Zwolle, another BNXT League member, coached by Jean-Marc Jaumin. Poland's Ostrow Wielkopolski won the last edition, succeeding their compatriots Wloclawek.
Liège was rescued from bankruptcy last December by American businessman Ernie Cambo. The team had reached the semi-finals of the Belgian Cup but finished as the ninth Belgian team in the BNXT League, leaving only Brussels behind.
Next season, Liège will be coached by American Alex Zampier, who takes over from his compatriot Brad Greenberg.
