Flamengo debuts in South American Basketball League this Friday at Maracanãzinho

Flamengo kicks off its campaign in the 2026 South American Basketball League this Friday (23rd) at Maracanãzinho. Hosting Group D of the continental competition, the Rubro-Negro will face Paisas of Colombia, Oberá of Argentina, and Defensor Sporting of Uruguay. The opener comes against Paisas at 20:10 local time, launching a three-game, three-day sprint to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

The competition marks another significant milestone in Flamengo's 2026/27 season. Under coach Demétrius Ferracciú, the squad aims to advance and challenge for the title, navigating a tight opening stage where every result counts. Only the top two teams in each group progress.

For Ferracciú, the South American League represents a key objective this season. The coach stressed the caliber of opponents and the need for razor-sharp focus throughout to ensure qualification.

"The South American League is one of our season's priorities, and we know how challenging it is to compete in an international tournament against very strong teams. We must think step by step, starting this Friday. We're aware these are short, decisive phases and we can't afford any slip-ups, because any mistake could cost us a spot. We need to stay completely focused on our game plan, understand our opponents' strengths, impose our rhythm, execute our basketball, and secure first place in the group," said Demétrius Ferracciú.

Flamengo's path in the competition

The Rubro-Negro takes the court for the first time on Friday (23rd) against Paisas Basketball Club of Colombia. On Saturday (24th), it faces Oberá of Argentina, closing the opening round on Sunday (25th) against Defensor Sporting of Uruguay. All of Flamengo's group-stage matches tip off at 20:10 at Maracanãzinho.

The 2026 South American League features 16 teams from seven nations, divided into four groups. In the opening phase, each squad plays the other three in its bracket, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals.

Next, the eight qualifiers will be split into two new groups of four. If Flamengo advances, it will join Group F alongside the winners of Group C, in a window scheduled for November 13–15. Again, the top two will secure passage to the next stage.

The four semi-finalists will compete in the Final Four, set for December 5–6. Semi-finals occur on the first day, with the championship match on the 6th.

Flamengo's South American League schedule

Friday (23/10)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Paisas Basketball Club (COL)

Saturday (24/10)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Oberá (ARG)

Sunday (25/10)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Defensor Sporting (URU)

📍 Venue: Maracanãzinho, Rio de Janeiro

Complete Group D standings

Friday (23/10)

* 17:10 – Defensor Sporting (URU) vs. Oberá (ARG)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Paisas Basketball Club (COL)

Saturday (24/10)

* 17:10 – Paisas Basketball Club (COL) vs. Defensor Sporting (URU)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Oberá (ARG)

Sunday (25/10)

* 17:10 – Oberá (ARG) vs. Paisas Basketball Club (COL)

* 20:10 – Flamengo vs. Defensor Sporting (URU)

With all opening-round matches at home, Flamengo relies on the support of Rubro-Negro Nation to take the first step toward another international trophy. Tickets are available at the official ingressos.flamengo.com.br website.