What is Trendyol Süper Lig? [2024]

What is Trendyol Süper Lig? Trendyol Süper Lig is the top-tier professional basketball league in Turkey. With 16 teams competing, it is widely regarded as one of the top basketball leagues in Europe. In this in-depth guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Trendyol Süper Lig including its history, format, teams, star players, and impact.

History of the Trendyol Süper Lig

Professional basketball in Turkey dates back to the 1940s with the establishment of the Istanbul Basketball League. Over the next few decades, the league grew and evolved into the National Basketball League in 1966. In 1992, the league was reorganized and renamed the Turkish Basketball League.

The league continued to expand, welcoming teams from all over Turkey. In 2001, the league signed a landmark TV deal worth $33 million over 6 years. This influx of money allowed the league to recruit top foreign talent. In 2004, the league adopted its current name, Spor Toto Basketball League after signing a sponsorship deal with the state lottery company Spor Toto.

In 2015, e-commerce company Trendyol became the title sponsor and naming rights partner. Thus the league adopted its current name, the Trendyol Süper Lig. Over the past decade, the league has cemented itself as one of the powerhouse basketball leagues in Europe. The standard of play is high with many foreign stars and national team players competing in the league.

League Format

The Trendyol Süper Lig consists of 16 teams. The regular season runs from October through May spanning 30 rounds. During the regular season, each team plays their opponents twice at home and twice away. This results in 60 games played by each team over the course of the season.

The top 8 teams at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs are held in a best-of-five format culminating in the Süper Lig finals. The winner of the finals is crowned the Turkish national champion.

The bottom two teams at the end of the regular season are relegated to the second-tier league TB2L. They are replaced by the top two finishers in the TB2L moving up to the Süper Lig. This promotion and relegation system ensures the league stays competitive with underperforming teams dropped down a tier.

Notable Trendyol Süper Lig Teams

Some of the top teams that compete in the Trendyol App Süper Lig include:

Anadolu Efes – The most successful Turkish club having won the league 15 times since its formation in 1976. They are based in Istanbul and also compete in the EuroLeague. Some famous former Efes players include Shane “The Shane Father” Larkin and Vasilije Micić.

Fenerbahçe – Based in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe is the second most successful club in Turkey having won the league 8 times. Their fanbase is amongst the largest in Europe with support across the country. Former NBA player Jan Vesely plays for Fenerbahçe.

Beşiktaş – A sports club based in Istanbul that competes in multiple sports including basketball. Their basketball team joined the league in 1933 and has won 4 titles since. Beşiktaş develops talented youth players and competes in European competitions.

Darüşşafaka – A relatively new club formed in 1990, they have quickly risen up the Turkish basketball ranks on the back of strong youth academies. Darüşşafaka are based in Istanbul and play their home games at the Volkswagen Arena.

Bandırma B.İ.K. – One of the newest teams to reach the Süper Lig having earned promotion in 2018. They are based in the port city of Bandırma and gained attention for their rapid rise. Bandırma B.İ.K. have a strong fan culture and their games feature live musical acts.

Foreign Players in the Trendyol Süper Lig

The Trendyol Süper Lig allows teams to have up to 5 foreign players on their roster. This has enabled Turkish clubs to attract some of the best basketball talents from abroad. High profile former foreign players include Mehmet Okur, Carlos Arroyo, Deron Williams, and Scottie Wilbekin.

Some current foreign stars playing in the league include:

Shane Larkin (Anadolu Efes) – Former NBA player who has emerged as a scoring dynamo in the Süper Lig averaging over 20 points per game.

Adrien Moerman (Anadolu Efes) – French center who is a rebounding force and won the EuroLeague title with Efes in 2022.

Johnny O’Bryant (Fenerbahçe) – Athletic big man from the USA who leads the league in rebounds per game.

Jordan Crawford (Beşiktaş) – High volume scorer who once dropped 71 points in a Chinese league game.

Tonye Jekiri (Bandırma B.İ.K.) – Nigerian center who is a nightly double-double threat.

These foreign stars raise the level of competition and spectacle in the Trendyol Süper Lig. Turkish basketball fans get to see world class talents up close.

Notable Turkish Players

Turkey has produced many homegrown basketball talents who compete domestically and abroad. Some Turkish stars of the Trendyol Süper Lig include:

Alperen Şengün – Former Bandırma B.İ.K. prodigy who now stars for the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

Cedi Osman – Wing player developed by Anadolu Efes now with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Furkan Korkmaz – Sharp shooting guard playing for the Philadelphia 76ers after getting his start with Banvit.

Ersan İlyasova – Veteran NBA forward who came through the youth system at Ülkerspor.

Melih Mahmutoğlu – Scoring phenom currently playing for Fenerbahçe after stints in the NBA.

Şans Şengün – 20 year old center putting up strong numbers for Darüşşafaka.

The success of players like Şengün, Osman, and Korkmaz shows the high level of talent being produced in the Trendyol Süper Lig. Turkish stars can compete on the biggest stages in Europe and the NBA.

The Fan Experience

Games in the Trendyol Süper Lig provide an electrifying atmosphere thanks to the passionate fanbases. Istanbul clubs like Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes have enormous support with thousands of fans packing their home arenas.

Fans will wave giant club flags, unveil choreographed tifos, chant fight songs, and play drums to spur their teams on. The crowds are loud, intense, and fully back their club. Attending a Süper Lig game is a must for any basketball fan visiting Turkey.

Away fans also travel in huge numbers and have designated away sections. The atmosphere builds to a fever pitch during local derbies between Istanbul rival clubs like Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş. Overall, the fan culture surrounding Turkish basketball creates an amazing sporting spectacle.

Impact and Global Reach

The rise of the Trendyol Süper Lig has positively impacted basketball across Turkey. Youth participation in the sport has skyrocketed. All clubs now operate extensive youth academies producing the next generation of Turkish talent.

Internationally, Turkish clubs have also made their mark in European competitions. Anadolu Efes have won the EuroLeague twice in recent years. Fenerbahçe have made multiple Final Four appearances. This success has boosted the global profile of Turkish basketball.

Domestically, the Süper Lig attracts high TV ratings and sponsorship revenue. New arenas meet international standards which allows Turkey to host major events like the FIBA World Cup. The league continues to progress both on and off the court.

In summary, the Trendyol Süper Lig has developed into one of the top national basketball leagues in the world. It strikes a balance between Turkish stars, foreign imports, rabid fanbases, and high-quality basketball. For any basketball fan, watching a few games of the frenetic, fast-paced Turkish league is a must. With further growth expected in the coming years, the future remains bright for professional basketball in Turkey.

Detailed Team Profiles

To fully understand the Trendyol Süper Lig, it’s important to learn about the top teams in more detail including their history, honors, players, and fan culture. Here are in-depth profiles of 5 of the biggest clubs in Turkey:

Anadolu Efes

History – Efes Pilsen basketball club was formed in 1976 by the Turkish beverage company Anadolu Efes. They quickly joined the top division and won their first league title in the 1979-80 season. Through the 80s and 90s, Efes established themselves as the most successful club in Turkey. When the professional league was formed in 1992, Efes became a charter member.

The 2000s saw further success including multiple Turkish League and Presidents Cup trophies. In 2012, Efes made it to the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time. They have also developed great youth academies producing generations of new talent. Entering their 5th decade, Anadolu Efes remain the club to beat domestically.

Home Arena – Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul which can hold up to 22,500 fans. The arena is famous for its noisy, intimidating atmosphere during Efes home matches.

Honors – 15 Turkish Super League titles, 14 Turkish Cups, 16 Turkish Presidents Cups. Also 2 EuroLeague titles and 4 trips to the Final Four.

Notable Players – Legends like İbrahim Kutluay and Harun Erdenay got their start at Efes. Current stars include Vasilije Micić, Bryant Dunston, and Tibor Pleiss. Coached by Ergin Ataman who led them to EuroLeague glory.

Fan Culture – Efes have one of the largest supporter groups in Turkey. Their fans are dubbed “Believe Maniacs” and provide fierce support during Istanbul derbies against rivals Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş.

Fenerbahçe

History – Formed in 1913 as a multi-sport club, Fenerbahçe added a basketball branch in 1913. After decades in the Istanbul league, they joined the Turkish Basketball League in 1966. Through the 1970s, Fenerbahçe established themselves as a major force led by legendary coach Yalçın Granit.

Fenerbahçe experienced their greatest success in the late 2000s winning 4 straight league titles. They have also reached the EuroLeague Final Four 7 times since 2015 establishing their credentials as an elite European club. Fenerbahçe develop strong youth players and continually recruit foreign stars.

Home Arena – Ülker Sports Arena in Istanbul able to hold up to 13,800 energetic fans. The “Canaries” home crowds are among the best in Europe.

Honors – 8 Turkish Super League titles, 9 Turkish Cups and 8 President Cups. Runners-up in the EuroLeague in 2017 and 2018.

Notable Players – Jan Vesely (Czech star forward), Nando de Colo (French guard), Marko Gudurić (Serbian sharpshooter). Coached by Željko Obradović who has won 9 EuroLeague titles.

Fan Culture – Fenerbahçe are supported all across Turkey with fan clubs in every city. The Yellow Canaries supporters bring relentless noise fueled by horns and drums to intimidate opponents. Fenerbahçe vs. Anadolu Efes games are intense.

Beşiktaş

History – Formed in 1933, Beşiktaş have played in the Turkish Basketball League since its inception. They had to wait until 1975 to capture their first Turkish title led by star center Mehmet Baturalp. Through the 1980s, Beşiktaş established themselves as an upper echelon team in Turkey.

After limited success in the 90s, Beşiktaş came back in the new millennium winning league and cup doubles in 2009 and 2010. They also began competing annually in the EuroCup. Recent seasons have been less successful but Beşiktaş remain a gritty competitor behind passionate fan support.

Home Arena – BJK Akatlar Arena seats 3,200 fans in a modern facility built in 2004. Beşiktaş crowds bring rowdy energy especially for derby games against Istanbul rivals.

Honors – 4 Turkish Super League titles, 9 Turkish Cups and 4 President Cups. Quarterfinal runs in the EuroLeague and EuroCup.

Notable Players – Mehmet Okur started his career at Beşiktaş before entering the NBA. Current guards Errick McCollum and AJ Slaughter provide explosive scoring.

Fan Culture – The Black Eagles have loyal supporters throughout the country. Home games feature raucous crowds fueled by chanting, whistling, and jumping. Beşiktaş fans are as passionate as any in Turkish sports.

Darüşşafaka

History – A relatively young club formed in 1990 by the Darüşşafaka Society which supports education for disadvantaged children. After joining the 2nd league in 1993, Darüşşafaka first reached the top division in 2001 but were immediately relegated.

The team bounced between divisions for several seasons. In 2015, backed by Doğuş Group sponsorship, they returned to the Super League. Darüşşafaka quickly established themselves as a rising contender qualifying for EuroCup. They develop talented youth players from their academy to compete at the highest levels.

Home Arena – The 2,700 seat Volkswagen Arena opened in 2012 and features modern amenities and excellent sight lines for fans.

Honors – Turkish President’s Cup in 2017. Frequently finish in the top half of the Super League standings.

Notable Players – Center Colton Iverson played for the Boston Celtics. Guard Scottie Wilbekin was once rated the top high school player in the USA. Youth products include Alperen Şengün now in the NBA.

Fan Culture – As a new club, Darüşşafaka are building their fanbase. Their crowds are small but energetic. Supporters expect playoffs annually as the team contends for titles.

Türk Telekom

History – The basketball club was formed in 1955 by the Turkish telecom company Türk Telekom. They were founding members of the Turkish league in 1966. Through the 70s and 80s, Türk Telekom developed strong youth academies but captured no major trophies.

After being relegated down to the 2nd league in the 90s, Türk Telekom bounced back winning promotion in 2013. The club stabilized in the Süper Lig led by coach Orhun Ene and an influx of foreign talent. They regularly make the playoffs though are still seeking a breakthrough first title.

Home Arena – The 5,000 seat Ankara Arena opened in 2010 giving Türk Telekom a modern new home court venue. The arena has hosted major tournaments like EuroBasket 2001.

Honors – Historic powerhouse club but have yet to win a trophy since joining the Süper Lig in 2013. They usually qualify for the playoffs.

Notable Players – Dwight Buycks has provided clutch scoring. Nigerian big man Josh Adeolu Adegbite is a force inside. Young center Berkan Durmaz shows promise.

Fan Culture – Located in the capital Ankara, they have developed an enthusiastic local following. Students from nearby universities help fill their arena with energy. Türk Telekom see strong attendance.

Breakout Young Players

The future looks bright for the Trendyol Süper Lig thanks to an exciting crop of young talent. These are some Turkish prodigies under age 22 poised for stardom:

Alperen Şengün – A 6’10” versatile big man who starred for Bandırma B.İ.K. Selected 16th in the 2021 NBA draft, Şengün is now a rising star for the Houston Rockets averaging nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. His creative low post skills developed in the Süper Lig. Just 20 years old, Şengün’s ceiling remains very high.

Berke Atar – A talented scoring guard for Türk Telekom still just 18 years old. Atar averaged 16 points per game in the 2021-22 season and shot over 40% from three point range. Already a polished shot creator and shooter. Several EuroLeague clubs are already pursuing him.

Yiğitcan Saybir – Fenerbahçe secured this promising wing’s rights at just 16 years old. Saybir was named MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic International Game. He has great size at 6’8″ able to play multiple positions and guard anyone. Fenerbahçe fans are very excited for his debut.

Mert Konuk – Despite being only 17, Konuk already plays major minutes for Sigortam.net ITÜ averaging 8 points per game. At 6’7″, he has excellent length and feel for the game at his age. With added strength, he profiles as a future EuroLeague player.

Berke Atar – A 17 year old point guard getting minutes for Pertevniyal. Şengün is a solid ball handler and distributor with great instincts. During the NBA Global Academy Games, he averaged 14 points and 6 assists. As he matures, Şengün will become a top Turkish floor general.

The Süper Lig allows top prospects to play big roles early on. These teenagers gain valuable experience competing against older professionals and foreign stars. This accelerates their development and prepares them for possible NBA careers like Şengün.

Importance of Foreign Coaches

While Turkish players deserve immense credit, foreign coaches also play a huge role in the success of the Trendyol Süper Lig. Many elite coaches from abroad have applied their trade in Turkey over the years. Some notable past foreign coaches include:

David Blatt – The American-Israeli coach led Efes to EuroLeague Final Fours before coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his tactical ingenuity.

Zelimir Obradovic – This Serbian coaching legend has won 9 EuroLeague titles including with Fenerbahçe. He helped put Turkish basketball on the map.

Simone Pianigiani – The Italian coach led Fenerbahçe to three straight Süper Lig crowns from 2016-2018 playing an attractive style.

Duško Ivanović – This Montenegro veteran won back-to-back EuroLeague titles with Baskonia before coaching Efes and Besiktas in Turkey.

Andrea Trinchieri – Current coach of Bayern Munich helped elevate Darüşşafaka qualifying them for the EuroLeague. His pressing defense was innovative.

These foreign coaches introduced new systems, tactics, and training methods. Their arrivals often preceded periods of great team success. They play a pivotal role in scouting and integrating foreign players. Turkish clubs are now destinations for top global sideline masters.

Memorable Süper Lig Finishes

The Trendyol Süper Lig has produced many memorable and dramatic finishes over the years. These down-to-the-wire battles helped shape league history:

1977-78 – Efes and arch-rivals Fenerbahçe went into the final day tied atop the standings. Efes defeated Muhafizkarlar 79-78 while Fenerbahçe lost 82-81 to Izmir to hand Efes their first ever title.

1986-87 – Besiktas overcame a 6 point gap on the last day edging Fenerbahçe by 1 point after beating Seker Sigorta 103-87. Besiktas fans invaded the court afterwards to celebrate their emotional first championship.

2013-14 – In a winner-take-all final game, Fenerbahçe toppled Galatasaray after overtime behind 21 points from Bojan Bogdanović to win their first title since 2007. Over 12,000 attended the epic Istanbul derby game.

2017-18 – Darüşşafaka went 22-0 at home but Fenerbahçe edged them by a single game for the title behind an MVP season from Brad Wanamaker. Fener locked up their fourth straight championship on the road.

2021-22 – Anadolu Efes won their sixth straight road game in the season finale defeating Beşiktaş to capture the crown. A down-to-the-last possession 91-89 thriller that saw Efes survive and repeat as champions.

Games often go down the final possessions as teams battle for Süper Lig supremacy. With both Turkish rivals and foreign stars competing at the highest level, the league never fails to deliver excitement.

EuroLeague Success of Turkish Clubs

In recent years, Trendyol Süper Lig clubs have made major strides in EuroLeague competition. This represents the pinnacle for pro teams in Europe. Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe have shown Turkish clubs can now compete with the elite.

Efes have won the last two EuroLeague titles cementing themselves as the new power on the continent. Led by former NBA guard Shane Larkin and Serbian MVP Vasilije Micić, Efes have found the perfect formula combining local and foreign talent. Head coach Ergin Ataman has orchestrated their unprecedented success.

Fenerbahçe made repeat trips to the EuroLeague Final Four from 2015 to 2018. They were powered by Greek superstar guard Kostas Sloukas and former NBA big man Jan Vesely. Under coach Željko Obradović, Fenerbahçe came within one basket of winning the EuroLeague title in 2017.

Both Istanbul arch-rivals have conquered the Süper Lig and now aim for continued EuroLeague glory. Other Turkish teams like Anadolu Efes, Darüşşafaka, and Beşiktaş have reached the EuroLeague playoffs. The future looks bright for Turkish basketball both at home and across the continent.

Appeal for Basketball Fans

For any basketball fan, especially those interested in the global game, the Trendyol Süper Lig is a must-watch league. The style of play appeals to true hoops heads. Here’s why the Süper Lig is so attractive:

Fast-Paced – Süper Lig games feature a frenetic tempo with teams running and gunning up and down the floor. Possessions move quickly without excessive stoppages. Lots of transition attacks and early offense.

High Scoring – Without illegal defense rules, teams emphasize spacing for open threes and drives to the rim. This creates an exciting style with scores often surpassing 100 points. Lots of explosive scorers put up huge numbers.

Passionate Crowds – From the opening tip, Turkish fans create a festive and intimidating atmosphere in packed arenas. Their drum-led chants and dueling cheers energize players and viewers. The gameday experience is top-notch.

Rivalries – Istanbul foes like Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes have a heated history. Their four derby games each season take on special meaning. Rivalries across Turkey exist between other clubs too creating tense showdowns.

Clutch Moments – With league titles often decided on the final day, Süper Lig games frequently come down to last minute drama. Every possession takes on high stakes during the stretch run making for edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

For pure basketball enjoyment, the Trendyol Süper Lig delivers. Any true fan should absolutely add competitive Turkish hoops to their watching rotation. It exemplifies the best of the global hardwood game.

Basketball Betting and Fantasy Impact

The rise of the Trendyol Süper Lig has led to increased basketball betting and fantasy basketball interest surrounding Turkish hoops. Online sportsbooks offer betting odds on Süper Lig matches. Fantasy sites include Turkish players on draft lists.

Notable Turkish players like Shane Larkin, Vasilije Micić, and Alperen Şengün have become fantasy studs. Larkin in particular is an explosive scorer perfectly suited for DFS lineups when Efes plays. Monitoring the statuses of foreign stars is key for betting edges.

The Süper Lig schedule also means most games happen Thursday-Sunday making players viable for weekly fantasy leagues. As Turkey produces more young talents, they will become draft targets in keeper/dynasty formats.

For bettors, following injury reports and team news from training is a must. The arrival of new foreign imports can shift the odds. Understanding how Turkish role players perform against top clubs provides betting value.

Given the league’s parity and exciting style, there are many close games and “over” totals. For basketball fans who enjoy betting or fantasy, the Süper Lig provides a new avenue to apply advanced stats and analysis for potential profits.

Vision for the Future

The future remains very promising for the top tier basketball league in Turkey. The Süper Lig has momentum but still more potential for growth. Here is an outlook on what is to come:

• Continued success in European competitions. Turkish clubs winning more EuroLeague titles and going deeper in the EuroCup.
• Increased profitability and sponsorship revenue. Turkey’s economy and companies provide resources for clubs to keep attracting stars.
• More talent emerging from academies. Turkey’s young generation has lots of athletic bigs along with skilled guards.
• Greater diversity of contenders. Seeing clubs like Bursaspor or Bahçeşehir emerge as new powers to challenge Istanbul’s dominance.
• Higher global profile. The Süper Lig gets more live TV coverage internationally. Turkey hosts major events like the EuroBasket.
• More high draft picks to the NBA. Top young Turks following the path of Cedi Osman and Alperen Şengün.

With excellent infrastructure and fan passion in place, Turkish basketball seems poised for greater growth on and off the court. The Trendyol Süper Lig should continue blossoming into one of the premier basketball products in all of Europe.

FAQs