How a basketball club rose from second-tier obscurity to European elite
In short: In just six years, Paris Basketball transformed from a startup project into a continental powerhouse. By strategically acquiring licenses and high-profile talent, the club bypassed decades of traditional growth to reach the EuroLeague and secure multiple trophies in record time.
Founded in July 2018, Paris Basketball was conceived as a deliberate project to establish a major basketball presence in the French capital. The initiative was spearheaded by David Kahn, the former director of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. The group launched its operations by acquiring HTV Basket's permit, allowing for an instant move into the LNB Pro B, the nation's second division. This move allowed them to begin competing while awaiting the construction of a permanent home.
The club's ascent was marked by rapid promotions and aggressive recruitment. After finishing second in the LNB Pro B in the 2020–21 season, they were promoted to the first-level LNB Élite (Pro A). Under the leadership of coaches like Jean-Christophe "JC" Prat and later Tuomas Iisalo, the team developed a distinct style of play. A pivotal moment occurred in June 2023 when Paris signed Iisalo and several key players from the Bonn team, including T. J. Shorts, who would later lead them to their first trophy.
The results of this rapid expansion were historic. In 2024, the club won the Leaders Cup and the 2023–24 EuroCup title. They also set a French basketball record with 25 consecutive wins in the Pro A. Their rapid progress led to a 2024–25 premiere in the EuroLeague, which represents the premier tier of basketball across Europe. While the club has faced challenges, such as a quarterfinal exit against Fenerbahçe, its trajectory from the second division to the continental stage remains a landmark in modern sports management.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Paris Basketball
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