From the NM2 to the cream of European basketball, AS Monaco Basket has experienced an extraordinary rise in the space of 10 years. It’s one of Europe’s finest basketball success stories.
Since being crowned Eurocup champions in 2021, AS Monaco Basket’s sporting ambitions are immense. Never before has a club based in France fielded such a competitive team at the highest European level. Nor has it had similar financial resources. The salaries of Monaco’s basketball players are among the highest in the French basketball elite.
AS Monaco basketball: 2023 - 2024 roster
Starting Five
Reserves
The irresistible rise of AS Monaco Basket
In basketball, the Roca Team has enjoyed a meteoric rise from the Nationale Masculine 1 to the top of the French Elite division in the space of just three seasons. Since the arrival of the wealthy Sergey Dyadechko as patron and then President of the club, the Principality of Monaco’s flagship basketball team has consistently ranked at the top of the NM1, Pro B and Pro A league tables. It has won the mid-season Leaders Cup on three consecutive occasions (2016, 2017 and 2018). In addition, it reached the European Champions League podium in 2017 and 2018. The Ukrainian businessman’s financial fortune, combined with the tax advantages he offers on his home territory, have propelled him to become one of Europe’s heavyweights.
In 2021, the Eurocup (C2) title gave AS Monaco Basket its ticket to the Euroleague. Obliged to achieve exceptional sporting results in order to remain in Europe’s premier competition, the Monegasque club had no choice but to increase its budget considerably. The contribution of new president and investor Alexei Fedorychev has taken Monaco into a new dimension. In particular, his financial commitment made it possible to recruit Mike James and Dwyane Bacon. These two American stars are like UFOs for French basketball.
An exceptional working environment
Monaco’s sporting and geographical environment is exceptional. Its technical staff know how to spot the right opportunities and develop players to help them reach a new level in their careers. There are numerous examples of basketball players leaving the Rock on an excellent note to sign a much more lucrative contract in another prestigious organization. Away from the court, the living environment is magnificent, even idyllic. Located on the Côte d’Azur, just a few kilometers from the border between France and Italy, the Principality of Monaco is an exceptional territory. For an ambitious professional basketball player, there are many good reasons to join ASM.
A top-class Monaco team
On the rare occasions when the pennant team has found itself in difficulty, the club’s directors have found the resources and solutions to return to the top. Having failed to qualify for the Leaders Cup 2019, they brought back a well-known name: Dee Bost. At the same time, ASM hired Serbian coach Sasha Djordjevic to lead the squad. The aim of these two recruitments was to turn the club’s fortunes around. Their mission was largely accomplished, as they took the team all the way to the championship final. And they did so by racking up 21 wins in 22 games! Only Lyon-Villeurbanne’s Asvel, presided over by Tony Parker, managed to topple the Monegasque ogre.
A rivalry has also developed with the Villeurbanne club. In 2019 and 2022, the French championship title eluded AS Monaco Basket because of the Green team. The two teams are the two representatives of French basketball in the Euroleague. Their confrontations are always electric. And that goes for both the championship and the European Cup. A real treat for fans of the orange ball!
ASM rises from the ashes
Historically, AS Monaco had already played in France’s elite basketball league. This was from the 1970s to the early 1990s. However, they were relegated again and again, and nobody reacted. Today, we can clearly say that the orange ball is definitely rising from its ashes on Le Rocher. AS Monaco Basket is one of the best teams in the Euroleague! And it does so alongside such immense institutions as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The capacity of the Gaston Médecin Arena is currently the only constraint stopping its development. The Arena project in Monaco could enable the Roca Team to become the most powerful club in Europe!
Monaco also has its own national basketball team
Monaco has its own professional basketball team (AS Monaco), which plays a leading role in the French league. But as a Principality, Monaco also has its own national team! Much less publicized and competitive than the AS Monaco stars, the latter are mostly represented at international level in youth competitions.
In 2012 and 2014, the 1996/1997 generation won the European third division title in the U16 and then U18 categories. Back then, the Monegasques were led by Alexander Pieper, an American by birth who compiled 15.8 points, 16.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the U18 title. Italian-born Alessandro Generale was his lieutenant, with statistics of 15.6 points and 9.8 rebounds…
Monaco Basket tickets: what you need to know about ticketing
Getting tickets for an AS Monaco Basket match isn’t all that difficult. To be honest, it depends on what’s at stake. But also on the opponent! Find out all you need to know about ticketing.
Hosting European giants is a major event for the Principality. These include Barça, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Olympiakos. Audiences flock to these dream matches. It’s not unusual for Euroleague matches in Monaco to sell out. This is less often the case for French championship matches. Spectator interest is much lower for regular-season fixtures. Nonetheless, the Salle Gaston Médecin is often full to bursting point during the playoffs. Fans are therefore advised to buy their tickets as early as possible. This will avoid stress and disappointment in the event of a sell-out.
2023 – 2024 Euroleague Schedule in Monaco
Seventeen Euroleague games will take place in Monaco between October 13, 2023, and April 11, 2024. Here’s the full schedule!
| Euroleague Game | Date | Ticket Sales |
|---|---|---|
| AS Monaco vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna | October 13, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs ALBA Berlin | October 20, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | October 26, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne | November 10, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul | November 14, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs Olympiacos Piraeus | November 30, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs Panathinaikos Athens | December 20, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona | December 29, 2023 | |
| AS Monaco vs Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | January 9, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Real Madrid | January 19, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | January 31, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | February 2, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | March 7, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | March 20, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Valencia Basket | March 22, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs Zalgiris Kaunas | April 4, 2024 | |
| AS Monaco vs FC Bayern Munich | April 11, 2024 |
What to do in Monaco besides a Roca Team game?
If you’re heading to Monaco to attend a basketball game, you’re probably wondering what activities are a must on the Rock. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the city during your stay.
Cultural diversity in the Principality
In addition to its professional basketball team, Monaco is renowned for its cultural diversity. On the sporting front, its top-flight soccer team competes in Ligue 1. A few years ago, it took part in the Champions League. The Louis II stadium is home to AS Monaco’s various sporting activities. The Monaco leg of the Formula 1 Grand Prix is one of the most iconic in the world. Beyond sport, the Principality has many other assets to offer. Its ideal position on the world map means you can reach France or Italy in just a few minutes. Many foreigners live here. More than 135 nationalities are represented. Tax advantages. On the other hand, Monegasque class and prestige come at a price.
A lifestyle apart in Monaco
Aside from an ASM basketball game, there’s plenty to do on the Rock. Monaco is world-famous for its Monte Carlo casino. But it’s also home to numerous sports cars and luxury boutiques. The lifestyle in the territory ruled by Prince Albert II is unique. It’s a Principality where millionaires and celebrities from all walks of life come together.
While a trip to the beach, to Le Rocher or a stroll through one of its magnificent floral parks won’t cost you a penny, renting a yacht to stroll along the French Riviera costs thousands of euros. If you can afford it, you can also hire a concierge service. You can also visit the gigantic aquarium. It’s one of the largest on the planet. Alternatively, you can sip a cocktail from one of its breathtakingly scenic boutiques.
Monaco is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. This is despite the fact that its surface area is no more than 2 square kilometers. This means you’ll need to set aside a fairly substantial financial budget for your stay.