Rilski Sportist will face Estonian Kalev/Kramo in their first match of the group stage qualifiers of the Champions League. The champions were placed in the third pot in the champion stream of the qualifiers during the draw in Lausanne, Switzerland.
If they win over the Estonians, Rilski Sportist will play against the winner of the pair Patrioti Levice (Slovakia) - AEK Larnaca (Cyprus). If they reach the final of the qualifying tournament, the Bulgarian champion will face one of Bakken Bears (Denmark)/Kutaisi 2010 (Georgia) or Heroes Den Bosch (Netherlands)/Trepça (Kosovo).
A total of 53 teams participated in the draw for the play-offs and the regular season of the competition, with 29 of them receiving a direct place in the group phase (regular season), and 24 will compete in the qualifiers. These 24 were divided into 3 qualifying tournaments of 8 each, and Rilski Sportist is participating in one of them. Only the winners of the three qualifying competitions will be given the right to play in the group phase, the draw for which is currently being made.
The management of the Samokov club recently expressed its desire to host the qualifying tournament in which it participates. The hosts will be announced later this month, with the matches set for late September. The regular season of the FIBA Champions League will begin on October 7.