Flamengo is, once again, a semifinalist in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). What might seem like just another statistic is actually confirmation of a project accustomed to going far. In 16 NBB editions, the Red-Blacks have reached the semifinals an impressive fifteen times. In every season, the club has advanced to the playoffs. The record speaks for itself: ten finals, seven titles, and one certainty: the Manto will be on the court for the decisive moments of the national competition.

The victory over Corinthians in the quarterfinals solidified the solid campaign built thus far: 26 wins in 34 regular-season games and two series decided 3-1 in the playoffs. Now, the next opponent is Franca, who defeated Pinheiros in Game 5, confirming another duel that has become a tradition on the big stage. 

The rivalry between Flamengo and Franca has grown in recent years and has seen some remarkable chapters. This season alone, the two teams have faced off in two semifinals—and in both, Flamengo prevailed. In the Super 8, Flamengo won at Maracanãzinho and advanced to claim the title. In the BCLA, Sergio Hernández's team defeated Franca again and, once again, continued its path to the top of the continent, ending the campaign with the trophy in hand after defeating Boca Juniors.

Now, history pits the two against each other once again this season, and in another semifinal: the NBB. Game 1 will be this Saturday (24), at 17 pm, in Franca, with broadcasts on SporTV, TV Cultura and FlaTV+. Games 2 and 3 are already scheduled for Tijuca Tênis Clube, on the 27th (Tuesday) and 29th (Thursday), both at 20 pm. Tickets are already on sale with prices starting at R$15. If necessary, games 4 and 5 will be held on June 1st and 3rd, in Franca and Rio de Janeiro, respectively. (As it had the better campaign in the qualifying phase, Flamengo will have home court and will decide the series at home, if it goes to the fifth game).

For FlaBasquete point guard Alexey, the weight of the matchup enriches the league's semifinals. "These are the two teams that have been competing for the most titles in recent years. This alone suggests a natural rivalry, which is great for Brazilian basketball. I'm sure they'll be great games, with a playoff atmosphere—both in Rio and in Franca. The sport can only benefit from this atmosphere," he stated.

Related: Alexey, Balbi and Gueiros; Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato and Luan; Jordan Williams and Jhonatan Luz; Kayo Gonçalves and Lucas Siewert; Ruan Miranda.

TODAY HAS #FLABASQUETE IN THE SEMIFINAL OF @nbbGo Flamengo! ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/ylr40ZbOiV

— Time Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) May 24, 2025