Paris Basketball French Champion 2025: a historic triumph at the Adidas Arena
Summary
Paris Basketball became 2025 French champions, winning their very first Betclic Elite title after a spectacular victory against AS Monaco (99-93) in game 5. A turning point for the Parisian club and a great basketball moment.
A breathtaking final
Fueled by a boiling Adidas Arena, the final offered a scenario worthy of the greatest sports thrillers. Trailing by 8 points entering the last quarter (81-73), the Parisians turned the tide in the final ten minutes, thanks to a shining T.J. Shorts (27 points, including 11 in the clutch time) and a clutch Nadir Hifi (16 points). This duo exploded Monaco’s defense at key moments.
Paris resists Monaco’s furious comeback
Everything seemed decided in the first half when Paris led by 17 points (40-23), before Monaco, led by a revived Jordan Loyd (17 points), came back close. The Monégasques even took the lead in the 3rd quarter, guided by Terry Tarpey and Elie Okobo, but a controversial technical foul called on Strazel shifted the momentum. After that, Paris rolled on.
The symbol of a rapid rise
Founded in 2018, Paris Basketball rose from Pro B to French champion in barely seven years. In between? A victory in the Leaders Cup (2024), a EuroCup title, a EuroLeague quarterfinal in its first participation, and a French Cup. All before topping it off with the 2025 championship.
A victory with a special taste
This title is not just a trophy; it is the pinnacle of a project that transformed Paris into a stronghold of French basketball. In a tight final from start to finish, every detail counted: the Parisians were more accurate from 3-point range (13/34 vs 8/24) and drew twice as many free throws. Tiago Splitter, coach and ex-NBA player, can savor: “These guys are special. Their mentality is different.”
5-star courtside
The showbiz side of this final was impossible to miss. The Adidas Arena buzzed off the court as well, with a five-star courtside: Zola, rapper and club loyalist, was there to support the capital, alongside Miss France 2025, Angélique Angarni-Filopon, who came in queen mode.
The staples Mister V (Yvick) and Théo Juice, regulars of the front rows, energized the hall throughout the match. And in high-level sports mode, Joan-Benjamin Gaba, world champion and Olympic medalist, was also part of the event. Cherry on the court: the presence of actor Omar Sy, new co-owner of the club, who vibed with the crowd until the final buzzer.
Halftime show by AMK: the outsider ignites the Adidas Arena
The show didn’t stop at the second quarter buzzer. At halftime, the Adidas Arena vibrated to the rhythm of an exclusive showcase by AMK, a Parisian rapper from the 15th arrondissement. Revealed to the public through his participation in season 3 of Nouvelle École on Netflix, where he reached the semifinals, AMK captivated attention with his impactful style and his striking track "THUG".
After a sold-out concert at La Cigale on April 24, 2025, AMK recently announced the imminent release of his new album "OUTSIDER", the first part, titled "OUT.", scheduled for June 27.
This halftime show perfectly illustrated Paris Basketball’s ambition to blend sport and urban culture, offering an immersive experience to its fans. With rising figures like AMK, the club asserts its identity and commitment to the Parisian artistic scene.
Paris Basketball: a team built to last?
The future will tell if this victory marks the start of a reign or the peak of an era. What is certain is that Paris Basketball made a strong impact. With a fiery fanbase, a brand-new arena, and a young, ambitious roster, the capital can dream bigger.
An unforgettable night in Paris
The images of the celebration at the Adidas Arena speak for themselves: players, staff, supporters... all united around a historic feat. Paris had never been crowned in the elite. It’s done. And it’s deserved.