London Lions begin their 2026–27 EuroCup campaign away to Šiauliai Basketball on Wednesday 30 September, taking an unbeaten domestic record into their first major European test of the season.[1][2]
London have won their opening four Super League Basketball games and warmed up for the trip by beating Liverpool Basketball 78–49. The Lions forced 27 turnovers and conceded only nine points in the third quarter, but Šiauliai should provide a very different examination in Lithuania.[2]
Here are five things to watch as Tautvydas Sabonis’ side return to EuroCup competition.
1. Can London’s defensive pressure travel?
The clearest feature of London’s early-season form has been their ability to disrupt opponents. Liverpool struggled to establish any rhythm against the Lions’ ball pressure, while Keenan Evans finished with four steals and teenager Emilis Zibuda helped create transition opportunities on his professional debut.[2]
Replicating that approach away from home will be crucial. European opponents are more likely to punish over-aggressive rotations, so London must find the balance between forcing mistakes and protecting the paint and perimeter.
2. How will Sabonis use his backcourt?
London have several guards capable of initiating the offence, including Evans, Tarik Phillip and Devante Jones. That depth should allow the Lions to vary the pace and avoid placing the entire playmaking burden on one player.
The EuroCup opener will offer a better indication of who Sabonis trusts to organise the team during high-pressure possessions. Shot selection and ball security will matter particularly if Šiauliai slow the game and force London to execute in the half court.
3. Will London’s depth remain an advantage?
Five Lions scored in double figures against Liverpool: Thomas Kennedy, Evans, Zibuda, Maxwell Lewis and Ethan Price.[2] That balance is encouraging for a club facing a demanding domestic and European schedule.
The level now rises. London’s second unit must maintain the defensive standard rather than simply provide rest for the starters. Productive minutes from Price, Zibuda and Joel Scott would give Sabonis more freedom to manage the rotation.
4. Can London establish themselves on the road?
The fixture begins a 14-game regular-season schedule. After visiting Šiauliai, London return home to face La Laguna Tenerife on 6 October and Skyliners Frankfurt on 15 October.[1]
An opening road win would immediately reduce the pressure on those home fixtures. A defeat would not define the campaign, but a composed performance would show that London’s strong domestic start can translate to a European environment.
5. What would represent progress?
The Lions narrowly missed the EuroCup play-offs last season. Their benchmark remains the historic 2023–24 campaign, when they became the first British club to reach the competition’s semi-finals after recording a 12–6 group-stage record.[1]
It would be premature to judge this squad against that achievement after one night. The immediate signs to watch are more practical: whether London defend without excessive fouling, look after the ball, create reliable half-court offence and remain competitive when momentum swings.
The 4–0 domestic start has created optimism. Wednesday’s opener should offer the first meaningful evidence of how far that form can carry against European opposition.