The VTB United League is a premier professional men's basketball league featuring leading clubs from Russia and neighboring countries such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Estonia. It was founded to create a highly competitive regional league that could rival top European competitions. The league operates on a classic format with a regular season followed by extensive playoffs, culminating in a championship series. CSKA Moscow has been its most dominant force, but the league boasts several strong clubs. It is considered one of the strongest domestic leagues in Europe outside of the EuroLeague, known for its high budgets, imported star talent, and intense playoff basketball. The VTB League serves as a primary pathway for its clubs to qualify for the EuroLeague.