Women’s basketball in Monaco is entering an ambitious new chapter, as Monaco Basket Association builds a team capable of competing at the highest level of the French game.
Following a successful first season in Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2), the club is accelerating its development for 2026–2027, with the ultimate goal of reaching Ligue Féminine 1 – the Boulangère Wonderligue – by 2028.
It is an ambitious project, but one backed by significant investment in players, coaching, management and youth development, together with the continued support of c and a growing number of Monegasque corporate partners.
Building towards the top flight
Monte-Carlo SBM first partnered with Monaco Basket Association in 2024 before significantly strengthening its involvement the following year.
The objective was clear: to help establish a top-flight women’s basketball team in the Principality while promoting women’s sporting excellence and creating a structure capable of succeeding over the long term.
Promotion to LF2 represented the important first step. Now, after completing its first season at that level, MBA is looking higher.
The 2026–2027 season will see the club strengthen virtually every area of its operation as it works towards reaching the top division within the next two seasons.
New faces on the court
Four new players arrive in Monaco from leading clubs in the league: Lelia Lesueur, Emily Prugnières, Stepha M’Baye and Carolina Rodrigues.
They join six established members of the MBA squad – Maud Sterviniou, Julie Tetart, Ilona Hattab, Anouk Brun, Philippine Delpech and Sarah-Yvanna Keboum – as the club looks to build a team capable of challenging at the top of LF2.
Sterviniou also takes over as captain this season, succeeding Lysa Millavet.
Leading the squad is another important new arrival. Emmanuel Body, a highly regarded and experienced coach in the women’s game, joined MBA during the summer and has been entrusted with guiding the team through this next stage of its development.
He will be assisted by Bertrand Delage and former French international Ali Traoré, who earned 117 caps for France during his playing career. Strength and conditioning coach Thibaud Pinson continues his work with the squad.
The new signings follow recommendations from a recently created recruitment unit led by Éric Elena and Stéphane Valeri, working alongside the club’s sporting advisors and staff.
Strengthening the club behind the scenes
MBA’s transformation extends well beyond the basketball court.
Two new management positions have been created as the organisation develops the structure required of a leading professional club.
Former captain Lysa Millavet moves into the role of General Manager, while Elise Cammas becomes Sporting Director.
The club has also launched an Elite U18 team for the new season. As well as fulfilling a requirement for clubs competing in Ligue Féminine 1, the initiative is intended to create a clear pathway for talented young players.
The objective is to develop the next generation of elite basketball players in Monaco while establishing a reserve of homegrown talent capable of progressing towards the first team.
Growing women’s basketball in Monaco
Founded in 2009 by Éric and Martine Eléna, Monaco Basket Association has grown into an important part of women’s sport in the Principality.
Today, the club has more than 150 registered players across 13 teams, introducing young girls to basketball while providing opportunities for players to progress through the different levels of the sport.
That emphasis on development and sporting excellence is also central to the partnership with SBM.
“We are linked to the MBA by shared values of commitment and collective excellence, as well as our Monegasque identity, and we support the development of women’s sporting excellence,” said Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, during the recent presentation of the new season.
Monte-Carlo SBM’s involvement includes both financial and logistical support, with the Group’s sporting facilities made available to MBA players over the past two years.
Valeri has also helped bring together a growing group of Monaco businesses to support the project. Six partner companies are involved this season, compared with three last year, strengthening the network behind MBA as its ambitions increase.
A pivotal season ahead
The pieces are now falling into place, but ultimately MBA’s progress will be measured on the court.
The 2026–2027 campaign represents a pivotal season as the club seeks to consolidate its position, challenge at the upper end of the championship and demonstrate that its ambition of reaching the French top flight is realistic.
“We are approaching this season with determination, high standards and confidence, driven by a desire to keep growing and to build the Monaco Basket Association of tomorrow,” the club’s co-presidents said at the season presentation.
“Today, our goal is to confirm our progress and firmly establish the Monaco Basket Association as a key player in French women’s basketball.”
Supporters will have 13 home championship matches to follow during the season, played at either the Gymnase de l’Annonciade or the Salle Gaston Médecin.
With a strengthened squad, an experienced coaching team, an expanded management structure and growing support from within the Principality, Monaco Basket Association has made its intentions clear.
The next step is to turn that ambition into results – and bring top-flight women’s basketball to Monaco.
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos and images courtesy and © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Advertisement
Leave a comment