Wikipedia - WABA League

WABA League, commonly known as the Adriatic League, is a top-level regional basketball league, featuring female teams from Serbia, Montenegro, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Croatia. Clubs from Turkey, North Macedonia, Hungary and Italy had their representatives in WABA League in past seasons. Since 2012 a Cadet WABA League and since 2014 Pionir WABA League is also played.

History

Formation and early years

WABA League was established in 2001 as EWWL League. In its first season, it included six teams from four countries (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). After the regular season, it held a tournament in which the three best teams played, which was won by Athlete Celje. Next season, the league expanded from six to eight teams, and the final tournament was altered so that the placement included the four top teams. At the final tournament, the winner was Željezničar Sarajevo.

Official trophy of WABA League (March 2016)

In 2003, the league changed its name to EWWL Trocal League, which lasted until 2006. During these seasons, the number of teams who played in the league varied from nine to twelve. In the period from 2004 to 2006, it had a representative from Macedonia and then one from Bulgaria in the 2006–07 season. Austrian clubs left the competition in 2004. Since 2003, the competing teams have been from Serbia and Montenegro. In 2006, the league changed its name to WABA NBL which was used until 2008. In 2006, the WABA Cup launched, which existed until 2010 and was attended by participants in the league. In 2007, the WABA Cup bore the name Vojko Herskel. In the 2008–09 season, the league was named after WABA Multipover; in 2009–10 season, it was named IWBL.

2010s

In 2010, the league changed its name to MŽRKL. The Vojko Herksel Cup was last played. In the 2012–13 season, the league included the Hungarian PEAC-Pécs, and the Belgrade Partizan achieved a record in its history, playing 32 matches in the national competitions (regional league, championship and cup) all season without suffering a defeat. In the season of 2013–14, the format of the competition changed. The twelve participating teams were divided into two groups of six teams. Four first-placed teams were placed in the quarterfinals, with the winners to the Final Four.

In the 2015-16 season, the league introduced instead of quarterfinals League 6, in which the first phase the two groups are placed by 3 teams. The League 6 transmitted the results achieved against teams from the same group in the first phase they finished the League 6. League 6 plays a dual circuit system (one game at home and one away) against teams that have qualified from the opposite group previous stage of the competition. The four best teams in League 6 advance to the Final Four.

In September 2016, the league officially changed its name to WABA League. In June 2017, the league signed a sponsorship contract with tourist agency BTravel and officially changed its name to BTravel WABA League.

Names in history

  • EWWL League (2001–2003)
  • EWWL Trocal League (2003–2006)
  • WABA NBL (2006–2008)
  • WABA Multipower (2008–2009)
  • IWBL (2009–2010)
  • MŽRKL (2010–2016)
  • WABA League (2016–present)
The Adriatic WABA Women basketball tournament is an exhilarating and highly competitive event that showcases the immense talent and skill of female basketball players from the Adriatic region. This prestigious tournament brings together teams from countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia, creating a thrilling atmosphere of regional rivalry and camaraderie.

The tournament features a series of intense matches, where teams battle it out on the court, displaying their exceptional basketball prowess and strategic gameplay. The players exhibit their agility, speed, and precision as they dribble, shoot, and defend with remarkable finesse. The fast-paced nature of the game keeps spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating every pass, dunk, and three-pointer.

The Adriatic WABA Women tournament not only showcases the incredible talent of these athletes but also serves as a platform for the promotion and development of women's basketball in the region. It provides an opportunity for young aspiring players to witness and learn from the best, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and reach new heights in the sport.

The tournament is held in state-of-the-art basketball arenas, providing a fantastic viewing experience for fans. The electrifying atmosphere created by passionate supporters adds to the excitement, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players, creating an unforgettable ambiance.

The Adriatic WABA Women tournament is not only a celebration of basketball but also a celebration of the rich cultural diversity and unity within the Adriatic region. It brings together people from different backgrounds, united by their love for the sport, fostering a sense of community and friendship.

Whether you are a die-hard basketball fan or simply enjoy witnessing the sheer athleticism and competitive spirit of these incredible athletes, the Adriatic WABA Women tournament promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling moments, intense competition, and a celebration of women's basketball at its finest.