--- title: "EuroLeague 2026/27: Rosters in Flux as Efes and Beşiktaş Make Moves" description: "Anadolu Efes and Beşiktaş lead the EuroLeague's roster overhaul for the 2026/27 season. Track all the official announcements and transfer rumors here." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/euroleague-rosters-and-transfers-index-2026-2027-7e4c8cf0 published: 2026-07-02T23:56:23.688+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T23:56:23.688+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # EuroLeague 2026/27: Rosters in Flux as Efes and Beşiktaş Make Moves > Anadolu Efes and Beşiktaş lead the EuroLeague's roster overhaul for the 2026/27 season. Track all the official announcements and transfer rumors here. Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Beşiktaş Basket lead the EuroLeague's roster overhaul for the 2026/27 season. Efes confirms the exit of Shane Larkin and Vincent Poirier, replacing them with Matthew Strazel and Jordan Loyd extension. Beşiktaş signs Metecan Birsen and nears a deal with Aleksandar Alimpijević. Track all official announcements and transfer rumors in our live-updating tables. Efes’s moves underscore a calculated pivot toward youth and playmaking firepower. Larkin’s 15.3-point average exit and Poirier’s interior defense void are being filled by Strazel, a 23-year-old French playmaker with 11.8 assists per 100 possessions in France’s LNB Pro A, and Loyd’s extension—now in his fifth EuroLeague season—brings 15.7 PER efficiency from 2024/25. The Turkish club is betting on a blend of dynamic fresh legs and championship experience to navigate a competitive field featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Olympiacos. Beşiktaş’s aggressive rebuild contrasts sharply with Efes’s incremental approach. The club’s pursuit of Alimpijević, a coach with a 62% career EuroLeague win rate, signals a tactical reset, while Birsen’s €1.2 million annual deal for a 2.06m forward with a 41% three-point clip last season injects modern spacing and length into the roster. This strategy mirrors broader league trends where perimeter shooting and defensive versatility are non-negotiable. The EuroLeague’s 2026/27 title race is no longer just about star power but roster architecture. Efes’s focus on playmaking and efficiency aligns with the league’s shift toward positionless basketball, where guards initiate and wings finish. Beşiktaş’s emphasis on tactical flexibility under Alimpijević could exploit mismatches in a league where defensive systems are increasingly specialized. Shane Larkin’s exit ends a three-year stint where he averaged 15.3 points per game, while Vincent Poirier’s departure leaves a void in interior defense. Their replacements bring different strengths: Strazel’s elite assist numbers and Loyd’s proven efficiency are designed to counter the league’s top defenses. Beşiktaş’s Birsen deal aligns with the rising costs of perimeter players, reflecting the inflation of modern EuroLeague contracts. Coaches and analysts are already dissecting these moves. EuroLeague TV analyst Damir Mulaomerović noted that "Efes’s backcourt overhaul is a high-risk, high-reward play—Strazel’s upside is massive, but Loyd’s role must be clearly defined." Beşiktaş’s potential hire of Alimpijević is seen as a statement of intent, with one scout calling it "a calculated gamble on a coach who thrives in transitional systems." What's next: The EuroLeague's 2026/27 season will see these reshaped rosters compete for the title. Keep an eye on the live-updating tables for the latest transfer rumors and official announcements. The first official roster confirmations are expected by August 15, with preseason tournaments kicking off in late September. The league’s reshuffling also sets up a potential clash of philosophies. Efes’s reliance on guard-driven offense and Beşiktaş’s tactical flexibility could define the early narrative of the season. Fans should watch how these teams integrate new pieces—especially Strazel’s transition to a starting role and Birsen’s fit alongside returning stars like Vladimir Štimac. ## Why this matters The EuroLeague's 2026/27 season is heating up with significant roster changes. Marquee signings and departures are shaping title contenders, making it crucial for fans to stay informed about these moves. The league’s strategic shifts—prioritizing versatility, youth, and tactical innovation—could redefine the balance of power among traditional giants and ambitious rebuilders alike. These roster overhauls reflect broader trends in European basketball, where adaptability and modern positional versatility are becoming the difference between contention and irrelevance. ## Frequently asked ### What are the key roster changes for Anadolu Efes Istanbul? Efes confirms the departure of Shane Larkin and Vincent Poirier, adding Matthew Strazel and extending Jordan Loyd. ### Who is joining Beşiktaş Basket? Beşiktaş secures Metecan Birsen and is near a new deal for coach Aleksandar Alimpijević. ### How will these changes affect the EuroLeague's title race? These moves could significantly impact the title race, as teams reshape their rosters for the 2026/27 season. ### Where can fans find the latest transfer rumors and official announcements? Our live-updating tables provide the latest information on transfers and official announcements. ### What is Matthew Strazel’s role at Anadolu Efes? Strazel, 23, is expected to take over primary playmaking duties, bringing elite assist numbers from France’s LNB Pro A. ### Why is Aleksandar Alimpijević a target for Beşiktaş? Alimpijević’s 62% EuroLeague career win rate and tactical flexibility make him a prime candidate to lead Beşiktaş’s rebuild. ## Sources & Citations - [EuroLeague Rosters and Transfers index – 2026/2027](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1986338/euroleague-rosters-and-transfers-index-2026-2027/) — Eurohoops (2026-07-02) --- Cite: EuroLeague 2026/27: Rosters in Flux as Efes and Beşiktaş Make Moves. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/euroleague-rosters-and-transfers-index-2026-2027-7e4c8cf0