The pilot season of the WINLINE Basket Cup has reached its peak – the Final Four will take place in St. Petersburg from April 10 to 12.
The signature style of the new tournament organized by the VTB United League and WINLINE is a non-traditional approach to hosting basketball games. And the decisive stage of the battle for the Cup, spread out over three days, promises to be the most exciting of the season in this regard.
Here’s what fans can expect at the first “Final Four.”
What is the WINLINE Basket Cup?
This in-season tournament organized by the VTB United League and WINLINE is being held for the first time and has international status. Joining the top Russian clubs from last season’s—CSKA, Zenit, UNICS, Lokomotiv Kuban, Uralmash and PARMA, have been joined by Serbia’s Mega and Bosnia’s Igokea. The teams were divided into 2 groups and determined the participants of the Final Four.
Style
The WINLINE Basket Cup is not just another competition, but an attempt to create a new approach to hosting a basketball game. In addition to the game itself, the organizers emphasize atmosphere and style: different flooring and game balls, different jerseys, creative lighting, music and attention to detail. Celebrities in the front row. Performances by popular artists.
The WBC even has its own limited-edition clothing collection in collaboration with the innovative brand Perque.
In the Final Four, this entire vibe will reach its peak.
Format
The Final Four format, popular in basketball, is a perfect fit for the WINLINE Basket Cup—the best teams gather in one place to determine the champion.
St. Petersburg has been chosen as the venue for the Final Four.
Participants
Zenit (St. Petersburg)
Group stage record: 4-2, 2nd place in Group B
The first season following the Xavier Pascual era was more turbulent for the St. Petersburg team than initially expected. During the season, Zenit parted ways with Aleksander Sekulic, whose spot was taken by Dejan Radonjic, and was also forced to make significant roster changes. The good news is that the hosts mid-season change was successful. The team has demonstrated consistentcy, successfully integrated newcomers, put together a strong winning streak and secured a decisive spot in the home Final Four during the last round of the WBC.
PARMA (Perm Region)
Group stage record: 4-2, 2nd place in Group A
The ambitious Perm team has been a thorn of the established powers this season, as confirmed in the WINLINE Basket Cup, where the Ural team prevented the traditional Top 4 team Lokomotiv Kuban from advancing to the decisive stage. PARMA is a blend of quality international players and promising young Russians, and the team is led by one of the country’s top coaches, Evgeny Pashutin. Unspoiled by countless trophies and finals, the Ural team heads to St. Petersburg as the dark horse, driven by extraordinary motivation.
UNICS (Kazan)
Group stage record: 4-2, 1st place in Group B
One of the two best teams in the VTB League regular season, having handed CSKA 2 of its 4 losses for the entire season, UNICS slowed down just a bit by mid-spring. The Kazan team chased the Moscow team throughout the season, but couldn’t keep up with the reigning champion winning streak and officially lost the chance at first place on Tuesday. Velimir Perasovic recently admitted that at times he no longer recognized his own team, but in the Final Four, the disciplined and well-trained squad should have no problems with the attitude.
CSKA (Moscow)
Group stage record: 5-1, 1st place in Group A
The VTB League champion of the past 2 seasons has maintained roster continuity and demonstrated consistent performance, combining powerful individual performances, precise organization and dynamic style. Most importantly, all of this is making results. The early winner of the regular season and the most successful team in the group stage of the WINLINE Basket Cup has lost only 4 times so far across both tournaments. With experience in decisive games, Andreas Pistolis team heads to the St. Petersburg as the clear favorite for the Final Four.
Players to follow
Johnny Juzeng (Zenit)
The 25-year-old started the season in the NBA, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and has been delighting fans of the St. Petersburg club since mid-March. He’s adapting very quickly: in his only Cup game so far against UNICS, Johnny became the key player, recording 13+5+5, and in 5 League games averaging 14.6 points.
Brendan Adams (PARMA)
The strength of the Perm team lies not in individual players, but in teamwork and character. In any given game, literally anyone can step up, but most often it’s the team’s main playmaker Brendan Adams is responsible for scoring and playmaking, as well as posing a threat from the perimeter.
Jalen Reynolds (UNICS)
Reynolds is one of the most effective players of the season. Equally important is that the center is a perfect fit for the WINLINE Basket Cup – the American bigman loves attention and playing to the crowd, showcasing an athletic and daring style.
Melo Trimble (CSKA)
CSKA’s leader and perhaps the biggest star in Russian basketball, Trimble stands out not only for his other qualities but also for his ability to step up in the most crucial moments. In decisive games, he boldly takes charge and makes the difference. Melo is the MVP of last 2 VTB League Playoffs.
Performers
The Final Four will attract the attention of not only basketball fans but also fans of Russian rap—this genre will be the dominant theme.
TOXI$ will be in charge of warm-up before the semifinals on April 10
On Saturday, the day of the 3rd-place game, ALBLAK 52 will take the stage.
And on the final day of the WINLINE Basket Cup, a secret guest will perform—fans are sure to be thrilled.
Awards
The WINLINE Basket Cup Final Four is not just a battle for the trophy. It’s also about the players, moments, and highlights that will remain in our memories.
Before the start of the decisive games, the individual awards for the season were presented, and last year the coveted trophy was unveiled—unique art objects created by artist Misha Libertee.
Arena
The Final Four will be hosted at CSC Arena, where Zenit plays its home games. However, the St. Petersburg team is not the event organizer.
The complex is located across from the Gazprom Arena stadium at 8 Futbolnaya Alley, St. Petersburg.
Route to arena
By car:
Take the South or North Road on Krestovsky Ostrov to 8 Futbolnaya Alley.
By bus:
From the “Krestovsky Island” or “Chkalovskaya” metro stations, take bus No. 14 or No. 25 to the “Krestovsky Island” bus station stop.
By Metro:
“Zenit” – 10–15 minutes on foot
“Krestovsky Ostrov” – 15–20 minutes on foot
“Begovaya” – 20–25 minutes on foot
Schedule
April 10
Semifinals
17:00 – UNICS vs PARMA
19:45 – Zenit vs CSKA
April 11
17:00 – Third-Place Game
April 12
14:00 – Final