Template:Future sportEuroChallenge 2008-09 will be the sixth edition of Europe's third-tier men's basketballEuroChallenge Tournament, and first under EuroChallenge name, organized by FIBA Europe. In last year it was known FIBA EuroCup. In all there are will be 40 (56 teams, including from Eurocup) teams form 21 countries will participate.
The competition starts from the first qualifying round. Thirty two teams will participate in the this round. These teams will be paired in two-legged matches, with winners decided on two matches aggregate score. The eight winners advance to the second qualifying round, losers are eliminated. First matches will be played on October 14, while second on October 21 - 22.
Second Qualifying Round
Winners from the first round advance to the second qualifying round. Teams will played with each other, with all those teams from first qualifying round. Matches are also two-legged and decided on aggregate score, with the winners are advancing to the EuroChallenge Regular Season and the losers are eliminated. First matches will be played on November 4 and second on November 11.
Regular Season
EuroChallenge Regular Season is the main phase of EuroChallenge tournament. Eight winners from the second qualifying round, eight automatic qualifers and sixteen teams from ULEB Eurocup 2008-09First preliminary round and Second preliminary round (eight losers from the first round and eight losers from the second). The teams are divided into eight groups of four teams each, with each group playing a double round-robin schedule. The first and second-place teams in each group advance to the Top 16. The Regular Season matches will be held from November 25, 2008 untill January 13, 2009.
Top 16
As in the Euroleague and for the first time Top 16 will be held. The top two places from each group from the regular season will advance to the Top 16. There are four groups with four teams in each. The matches are also double round-robin. The top two places from each group advance to the Quarter Final Round. The matches must be played from January 27 to March 10, 2009.
Quarter Final Round
Eight winners from the Top 16 will play each other in quarter-final phase. The games will be palyed in a best-of-three playoff series (third game will be palyed if necessary). The quarter-final winners advance to the Final Four. First and second games will be palyed on March 17 and March 19, third game will be played on March 25 (if necessary).
Final Four
The Final Four is most culminating stage of EuroChallenge. Winners from quarter-finals will paly semifinal and final games. Third place game also will be. The Final Four winner become EuroChallenge 2008-09 champion. The Final Four will be held from April 24 to April 26.
Qualifying rounds
Thirty-two teams will participate in the fisrt round and sixteen in the second.