The Monaco Basket Association (MBA) is commencing the 2025-2026 season with renewed ambition. Fresh from last season’s promotion, a strengthened partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), and a clear roadmap, the women’s team in Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2) has its eyes set firmly on the top flight: the Boulangère Wonderligue.
From Regional Roots to National Ambition
Since its founding in 2009 by Éric and Martine Elena, the MBA has quietly become a pillar of women’s basketball in the Principality. What began as youth development and mainly regional competition has evolved into a club that now fields a squad in LF2, France’s second-highest division in women’s basketball.
The 2024-2025 season was a milestone: MBA secured promotion to LF2 bringing pride not only to the club but to Monaco itself.
A Partnership Deepening
Key to the club’s next steps is the strengthened involvement of SBM. More than a sponsor, SBM is becoming a co-leader: Stéphane Valeri, SBM’s Président-Délégué, joins Éric Elena as co-president of MBA. This move underscores the shared vision: build a sustainable, high-performance women’s basketball programme in Monaco.
SBM’s support is not just financial. It includes privileged access to sporting infrastructure, aligning values of excellence, collective effort, and gender equality, values which are already central to SBM’s identity.
The Roadmap: Three Years to the Top Tier
MBA has announced its goal: reach the Boulangère Wonderligue within three seasons. For context, the Boulangère Wonderligue is the top‐level women’s basketball league in France.
This season (2025-2026), the immediate targets are clear to consolidate MBA’s position in LF2 (aiming for mid-to-upper table) and to introduce fresh talent and leadership. This should result in strong, consistent performances at home (Salle Gaston Médecin) to build both results and supporter engagement.
To this end, the team has recruited seven new players, appointed Greek coach Petros Prekas, known for his demanding style and tactical acumen, and named Lysa Millavet as the new captain, a symbolic decision underscoring the drive to lead by example and with unity.
Values, Identity, and the Spotlight on Women’s Sport
MBA’s project is not purely about sport. Equality, visibility, and giving young women opportunities are at its heart. In a Europe where women’s sport still often fights for recognition and investment, Monaco’s leadership (both in the club and through SBM) is making a statement: excellence in women’s basketball deserves the same respect and resources.
Éric Elena put it simply: “This season, we want to make the crowd vibrate, carry Monaco’s colours with pride, and share our passion for basketball with the widest possible audience.”
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
Home games at Salle Gaston Médécin will be crucial. Can MBA turn this venue into a fortress and a gathering place for the community? We will see the impact of the new signings and how quickly the team gel under the new coach.
Off-court momentum in marketing, outreach, youth programmes, and SBM’s wider support will play a major part in building both audience and sustainability.
Team Snapshot: Here are the Key Figures for 2025-2026
Co-Presidents: Éric Elena & Stéphane Valeri
Head Coach: Petros Prekas (Greece)
Captain: Lysa Millavet
Notable roster: Martina Bestagno, Kimsy Demontoux, Anouk Brun, Sara Crudo, Maud Stervinou, Philippine Delpech, Sarah-Yvanna Keboum, Ilona Hattab, Amina Traoré, Julie Tetart, Arzhélenn Chavoutier.
Whether you are a long-time basketball fan, someone interested in gender equality, or simply a Monégasque who loves to see local talent flourish, this season promises to be more than just basketball, it may mark a turning point in how Monaco supports and showcases its female athletes. Mark your calendar: the new LF2 season kicks off soon, and MBA’s home games at Salle Gaston Médecin are expected to be a highlight. Let’s see whether this season is the launch pad for the Principality’s ascent into the Boulangère Wonderligue.
