Bayern Munich triumphantly celebrates their basketball championship, replete with beer, cigars, and the aroma of violets.
Celebrating in the SAP Arena
A wild night unfolded in Munich after Bayern crushed ratiopharm Ulm in the German basketball championship. The triumphant club cranked up the party, and General Manager Marko Pesic, sporting a black eye from teammate Johannes Voigtmann's enthusiasm, toasted the victory alongside Andreas Obst.
"Thank goodness we've made it," Pesic, set to retire in 2025, remarked. This title win came after Agonizing losses in the cup semi-finals and the Euroleague playoffs, revealing the pressure to succeed. Pesic described this seventh title as "a bit special" after Obst and Voigtmann dumped him in the ice bucket in the locker room.
A Verdict on the Party
FC Bayern champion of German basketball? Sounds routine, but they weren't celebrating a walk in the park. Their victory was a thrilling final against brave Ulm, with the favorite avoiding elimination in game four before securing the win at home. Yet Ulm fought back from a 17-point deficit, took the lead, and silenced the crowd. Uli Hoeneß and national coach Alex Mumbru could hardly believe their eyes. In the end, Bayern clinched an 81-77 victory.
When asked about the party, champion Voigtmann suggested exhaustion might curtail the celebration. "Is he crazy, or what?" Obst retorted. "I'll make sure they all have a good time, so they'll really feel it tomorrow. No one's going home until it's daylight." Voigtmann conceded he'd follow Obst's lead.
Euroleague: Stricter Times Ahead
The pressure on the German basketball powerhouse was evident in a comment by club president Herbert Hainer after the final victory. "If you lose today, the season is over," he admitted.
Coach Gordon Herbert was satisfied, though drained, similar to 2023 after winning the World Cup. He had worked for 365 days straight. What's next? "I have no idea," he said.
The EuroLeague is implementing new financial reforms to maintain stability, enforce financial regulations, and create a more level playing field[1][2]. Key changes include FFP measures, contract negotiation reforms, and expansion to 20 teams, including wildcards like Dubai Basketball[1][4].
These changes mean adapting to stricter financial regulations, a more competitive environment, and increased player mobility for FC Bayern[2]. The team will need to manage its budget carefully to stay ahead in the game.
Pesic remains optimistic about the future, expressing confidence that with potential new players, they can compete with the best in Europe[2]. Concrete personal decisions will be revealed after talks with players and a closing ceremony in Munich[3].
Questions Loom Over Key Performers
With increased competition in the EuroLeague and financial reforms on the horizon, players like German National Player Nick Weiler-Babb, NBA pro Shabazz Napier, and Carsen Edwards may have suitors eyeing them during the off-season[3].
Edwards, Bayern's best player for most of the season, sustained an injury in the final phases, but was present to savor the win and the championship party[3].
[1] Euroleague.net. (2025). Euroleague Financial Reforms for 2025–2026 Season. Retrieved from https://www.euroleague.net/2025/06/10/euroleague-financial-reforms-for-2025-2026-season
[2] ESPN.com. (2025). Euroleague Addresses Financial Fair Play, Budget Cap in New Fin Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35162348/euroleague-addresses-financial-fair-play-budget-cap-new-fin-regulations
[3] GermanBasketball.de. (2025). Bayern Basketball Set to Discuss Future of Key Players. Retrieved from https://www.germanbasketball.de/basketball/nationalmannschaft/bayern-basketball-set-discuss-future-key-players/
[4] Euroleague.net. (2025). Euroleague Announces 20-Team Expansion with Dubai Wildcard. Retrieved from https://www.euroleague.net/2025/06/15/euroleague-announces-20-team-expansion-dubai-wildcard
- Marko Pesic, despite his black eye, was optimistic about the future of the football club in managing their budget under stricter financial regulations, as new players could potentially help them compete with the best in Europe.
- Following their championship victory, FC Bayern will need to adapt to the EuroLeague's new financial reforms that aim to maintain stability, enforce financial regulations, and create a more level playing field by introducing FFP measures, contract negotiation reforms, and expanding the league to 20 teams, including Dubai Basketball.
- With the implementation of these changes, some high-profile players like Nick Weiler-Babb, Shabazz Napier, and Carsen Edwards may attract interest from other teams during the off-season.
- Despite his injury in the final phases, Carsen Edwards was present to enjoy the celebration and victory, savoring the championship atmosphere after their hard-fought win against brave Ulm.
- As the German basketball powerhouse faces stricter financial regulations and a more competitive environment due to the EuroLeague's changes, Andreas Obst vowed to ensure the team enjoys their victory celebration until it's daylight, ensuring they'll feel the exhaustion of the triumphant night the next day.
