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Valencia Basket
View on WikipediaValencia Basket Club S.A.D.,[1] commonly known as Valencia Basket (Valencian: [vaˈlensia ˈbasket]; Spanish: [baˈlenθja ˈβasket]), is a professional basketball team based in Valencia, Spain. The team plays in the Liga Endesa and the EuroLeague, and its women's team was started in 2014 and promoted to Liga Femenina Endesa in 2018. From 1987 to 2025, they played their home games at the Font de Sant Lluís. Since 2025, they have played their games at the Roig Arena, with a capacity of up to 20,000 spectators.
Key Information
The "Oranges" have a total of thirteen official titles in the men's section and ten in the women's section. Valencia is the only Spanish club to win the top basketball category in Spain in both sections: the 2016-17 ACB (in addition to two runner-up finishes) and the 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 Women's League, as well as the EuroCup (ULEB Cup) on four occasions, where it is the most successful club in competition, and the 2020–21 EuroCup Women.
In the historical classification of the ACB, the men's team is in sixth place, having played 37 seasons in the top category. In 2024, the men's team placed 12th in the FIBA Europe classification and 10th place in the women's classification.
The club is owned by retail tycoon Juan Roig.[2]
History
[edit]1986–1997
[edit]Valencia Basket was founded on 27 September 1986, after Valencia CF decided to fold its basketball section.[3]
On 4 May 1988, while in its second season in the Primera División B, which was the second-tier league of Spanish basketball at that time, the team won its first promotion to the Spanish top-tier level ACB,[4] where the team remained until the 1994–95 season. In 1995, Valencia was relegated to the Spanish 2nd-tier level EBA League, after falling in the league's relegation playoff against Somontano Huesca. In the next season, after being the runner-up in Liga EBA, in a non-promoting season, Valencia BC bought Amway Zaragoza's ACB place to join the top league, where it has remained until nowadays.
1998–2014
[edit]On 2 February 1998, Pamesa Valencia won its first Spanish national title, after beating Pinturas Bruguer Badalona, by a score of 89–75, in the final of the 1998 Copa del Rey, which was played in Valladolid. One year later, on 13 April 1999, the club played in the final of the 1998–99 FIBA Saporta Cup, but was defeated by Benetton Treviso, 64–60, in the final played in Zaragoza. Three years later, the club repeated the same success, but Montepaschi Siena won the final of the 2001–02 FIBA Saporta Cup, by a score of 81–71, in Lyon, France.
Continuing on with some of the club's best years, the 2001–02 ACB season was historic for the club, as it reached the Spanish ACB League finals, where they could not win any games in their series against FC Barcelona. Before this first success in reaching the finals of the Spanish league's playoffs, Pamesa Valencia won its first European-wide title, by defeating Krka Novo Mesto in the 2002–03 ULEB Cup, which would then also allow the club to make its debut in the European top-tier level EuroLeague.
In its first EuroLeague participation, Pamesa Valencia qualified for the Top 16, but was eliminated there, after not contesting its game at Nokia Arena against Maccabi Tel Aviv, adducing security issues in Israel.[5]
On 18 April 2010, Power Electronics Valencia won its second European title, by beating Alba Berlin, 67–44, in the 2010 EuroCup Finals, which was played in Vitoria-Gasteiz.[6] This allowed the club to come back to the top level EuroLeague, seven years after its first participation in the tournament. This time, Valencia reached the EuroLeague quarterfinals, where it was eliminated by Real Madrid, who won the playoff series by a 3–2 margin.
The club's third European-wide 2nd-tier level EuroCup title arrived on 7 May 2014, when Valencia beat UNICS Kazan, in the double-legged finals.
2015–present
[edit]On 5 June 2017, Valencia Basket qualified for its second Spanish Liga ACB Finals series, after defeating Baskonia in the semifinals of the 2017 national league playoffs. This time, the club won its first ever Spanish national domestic league championship, on 16 June 2017, by defeating Real Madrid with a 3–1 series score in the ACB league's finals.[7] In the same season, the club also reached the finals of both the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup), and the EuroCup, but they lost those finals to Real Madrid, and fellow Spanish side, Unicaja, respectively. By winning the Spanish League championship, Valencia also sealed their return to the next season's top-tier level EuroLeague competition, for the 2017–18 season.
The club's fourth European-wide 2nd-tier level EuroCup title arrived on 16 April 2019, when Valencia beat Alba Berlin, in the double-legged finals.
Arena
[edit]During its first season of existence, the team played its home games at the La Canaleta Sports Complex in the municipality of Mislata.[8]
Since 1987 Valencia Basket plays its home games at the 8,500 seat Font de Sant Lluís arena.[9] The arena is better known as La Fonteta.
The club is expected to move to a new 15,600-seat arena called Roig Arena (previously proposed as Casal España Arena),[10] with the inauguration scheduled for 2024.[11][12]
Sponsorship naming
[edit]Valencia Basket has had several sponsorship names over the years:
- Valencia-Hoja del Lunes: 1986–1987
- Pamesa Valencia: 1987–2009
- Power Electronics Valencia: 2009–2011
Logos
[edit]-
1987–2009 (The logo during the Pamesa era).
-
2009–2017 (Original non commercial logo).
-
2016–2017 (30 year anniversary logo).
-
2017–present.
Players
[edit]Retired numbers
[edit]
| Valencia Basket retired numbers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Nat. | Player | Position | Tenure | |
| 11 | Nacho Rodilla | PG | 1994–2003 | ||
| 15 | Víctor Luengo | SG/SF | 1992–2007 | ||
| 17 | Rafa Martínez | SG | 2008–2019 | ||
| 9 | Sam Van Rossom[13] | PG | 2013–2023 | ||
Current roster
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.
| Valencia Basket roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Depth chart
[edit]| Pos. | Starting 5 | Bench 1 | Bench 2 | Bench 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Nate Reuvers | Matt Costello | Neal Sako | Yankuba Sima † |
| PF | Jaime Pradilla † | Braxton Key * | ||
| SF | Kameron Taylor * | Josep Puerto † | Xabier López-Arostegui † | |
| SG | Omari Moore | Brancou Badio | Isaac Nogués ‡ | |
| PG | Darius Thompson | Jean Montero | Sergio de Larrea ‡ |
FIBA Hall of Famers
[edit]| Valencia Basket Hall of Famers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | |||||
| No. | Nat. | Name | Position | Tenure | Inducted |
| 44 | Antoine Rigaudeau | G | 2003–2005 | 2015[14] | |
| 14 | Fabricio Oberto | C | 2002–2005 | 2019[15] | |
| 10 | Romain Sato | SF | 2013–2017 | 2024[16] | |
Head coaches
[edit]- Toni Ferrer: 1986–1987, 1989
- Antoni Serra: 1987–1989
- José Antonio Figueroa: 1989–1991
- Fernando Jiménez: 1991
- Manu Moreno: 1992–1995
- Herb Brown: 1995
- Mihajlo Vuković: 1995–2000
- Luis Casimiro: 2000–2002
- Paco Olmos: 2002–2004, 2011–2012
- Pablo Laso: 2004–2005
- Chechu Mulero: 2005, 2006
- Ricard Casas: 2005–2006
- Fotios Katsikaris: 2006–2008
- Neven Spahija: 2008–2010
- Manolo Hussein: 2010
- Svetislav Pešić: 2010–2011
- Velimir Perasović: 2012–2015
- Carles Duran: 2015
- Pedro Martínez: 2015–2017, 2024–present
- Txus Vidorreta: 2017–2018
- Jaume Ponsarnau: 2018–2021
- Joan Peñarroya: 2021–2022
- Álex Mumbrú: 2022–2024
- Xavi Albert: 2024
Season by season
[edit]Honours
[edit]
Domestic competitions
[edit]European competitions
[edit]Friendly trophies
[edit]- Torneo de Lleida Stagepro: (1)
- 2009
- Valencia, Spain Invitational Game: (1)
- 2009
- Trofeo Costa de Sol: (1)
- 2014
- Trofeo Feria de Albacete: (1)
- 2019
- Castello, Spain Invitational Game: (1)
- 2019
- Salou, Spain Invitational Game: (1)
- 2020
Individual awards
[edit]- Justin Doellman – 2014
- Bojan Dubljević – 2017
- Nacho Rodilla – 1998
- Erick Green – 2017
- Sergio de Larrea – 2025
- Justin Doellman – 2014
- Romain Sato – 2014
- Pau Ribas – 2015
- Justin Hamilton – 2016
- Bojan Dubljević – 2017, 2019
- Jean Montero – 2025
- Bojan Dubljević – 2018
- Alberto Abalde – 2020
- Víctor Claver – 2007
- Dejan Tomašević – 2003
- Matt Nielsen – 2010
- Justin Doellman – 2014
- Will Thomas - 2019
- Víctor Claver – 2010
- Bojan Dubljević – 2013, 2014
- Jean Montero – 2025
- Pedro Martínez – 2017, 2025
- Duško Savanović – 2011
- Nando De Colo – 2010
- Matt Nielsen – 2010
- Nik Caner-Medley – 2012
- Justin Doellman – 2013, 2014
- Bojan Dubljević – 2017, 2019
- Jean Montero – 2025
- Matt Nielsen – 2009
- Bojan Dubljević – 2014, 2022
- Fernando San Emeterio – 2017
- Sam Van Rossom – 2019
- Xabier López-Arostegui – 2025
- Semi Ojeleye – 2025
Notable players
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.
| Criteria |
|---|
|
To appear in this section a player must have either:
|
Salva Díez
Víctor Luengo
Nacho Rodilla
Berni Álvarez
Víctor Claver
Rafa Martinez
Pau Ribas
Guillem Vives
Fernando San Emeterio
Alberto Abalde
Xabier López-Arostegui
Joan Sastre
Pablo Aguilar
Ermal Kuqo
Alejandro Montecchia
Federico Kammerichs
Fabricio Oberto
Matt Nielsen
Tiago Splitter
Vítor Faverani
Kyle Alexander
Jasiel Rivero
Antoine Rigaudeau
Florent Piétrus
Antoine Diot
Damien Inglis
Nando de Colo
Mickaël Gelabale
Alessandro Abbio
Sam Van Rossom
Dimos Dikoudis
Robertas Javtokas
Mindaugas Timinskas
Bojan Dubljević
Maurice Ndour
Romain Sato
Dejan Tomašević
Igor Rakočević
Kosta Perović
Duško Savanović
Dejan Milojević
Nikola Kalinić
Vule Avdalović
Vladimir Lučić
Stefan Marković
Vanja Marinković
Klemen Prepelič
Mike Tobey
Tornike Shengelia
Viacheslav Kravtsov
Serhiy Lishchuk
Tanoka Beard
Brad Branson
Brian Cardinal
/
Brandon Davies
/
Justin Doellman
Derrick Alston
Erick Green
Jared Harper
Jordan Loyd
/
Semi Ojeleye
/
Johnny Rogers
James Webb III
Derrick Williams
/
Shammond Williams
Women's team
[edit]The women's team of Valencia Basket was created in 2014 and promoted to Liga Femenina in 2018, winning the final game against Real Club Celta de Vigo in Valencia. This access to the first division and the relegation of CB Estudiantes made Valencia Basket the only club with masculine and feminine representation in the first division in the 2018–2019 season.
In the first season competing on the first division, Valencia Basket achieved a ticket to their first Copa de la Reina de baloncesto, celebrated in Vitoria between 28 February and 3 June. Also, they achieve a spot to participate in the playoffs, losing against Perfumerías Avenida on the semifinals, but achieving the opportunity to play his first European tournament the next season.
Notes
[edit]- ^ A homegrown player is a player that played for at least three years before the age of 20 on a Spanish team. In Liga ACB, the team must register at least four homegrown players in rosters of 10–12 players or at least three homegrown players in rosters of 8–9 players. In EuroLeague, the team did not have any limitations regarding the number of homegrown players.
- ^ An overseas player is a player from outside EEA, FIBA Europe or ACP states. In Liga ACB, the team may register at most two overseas players. In EuroLeague, the team did not have any limitations regarding the number of overseas players.
- ^ In Liga ACB, the team may register under-22 players linked to the youth system. In EuroLeague, the team may register under-20 players linked to the youth system.
- ^ Bought the ACB berth to Amway Zaragoza.
References
[edit]- ^ "Relación de SAD — Portal del Consejo Superior de Deportes" (in Spanish). Consejo Superior de Deportes. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
- ^ Olvídese de la Masía de Messi: bienvenidos a L'Alqueria de Juan Roig (in Spanish).
- ^ "Valencia Basket cumple 30 años" (in Spanish). ACB.com. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original on 20 June 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ 23 years from the promotion of Valencia Basket Archived 2016-10-02 at the Wayback Machine ACB.com May 4, 2011
- ^ "El Pamesa no viaja a Tel Aviv y perderá (20-0) el partido" (in Spanish). El País. 25 March 2004. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Power Electronic Valencia Champ!". Eurocup Basketball. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Valencia Basket reescribe su historia (87-76)" (in Spanish). ACB.com. 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
- ^ "Será el primer precedente en la ACB pero el Burgos jugó en Mislata en 1986". Las Provincias (in Spanish). 2017-11-05. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
- ^ MUNICIPAL COURT FUENTE DE SAN LUIS CAPACITY: 8.500 spectators
- ^ "The new home of Valencia Basket will be called Roig Arena". Eurohoops. 2022-11-02. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
- ^ valència, jorge valero (2022-03-16). "El Casal España Arena de València se retrasa a 2024". Levante-EMV (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-04-06.
- ^ "Valencia's new €280M home arena should be ready in 2024". basketnews.com. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
- ^ "Valencia Basket will retire Sam Van Rossom's number 9 jersey on Saturday May 10". valenciabasket. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "FIBA.basketball". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
- ^ "Fabricio OBERTO (ARG) | About FIBA". Retrieved 14 June 2025.
- ^ "Romain SATO (CAF)| About FIBA". Retrieved 14 June 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Valencia Basket Archived 2015-08-10 at the Wayback Machine at ACB.com (in Spanish)
- Valencia Basket at the EuroLeague
Valencia Basket
View on GrokipediaHistory
1986–1997: Foundation and early years
Valencia Basket was founded in 1986 following the dissolution of Valencia CF's basketball section. The club quickly established itself in the lower divisions of Spanish basketball, achieving promotion to the Liga ACB (Spain's top division) in 1987. During these formative years, the team focused on building a competitive roster and fan base, competing steadily in domestic leagues while laying the groundwork for future success.[1]1998–2014: Domestic rise and initial European forays
The late 1990s marked a turning point, with Valencia Basket winning its first major trophy, the 1998 Copa del Rey. In European competitions, the club reached the Saporta Cup finals in 1999 and 2002. The 2003–04 season saw their EuroLeague debut, advancing to the Top 16. Valencia secured their first EuroCup title in 2003, followed by additional wins in 2010 and 2014, alongside consistent domestic contention.[1]2015–present: ACB championship and sustained contention
Under the guidance of coach Pedro Martínez, Valencia Basket achieved its first Liga ACB championship in the 2016–17 season, culminating in a playoff finals victory over Real Madrid with a 3–0 series sweep. This triumph marked the club's breakthrough at the domestic pinnacle, securing qualification for the subsequent EuroLeague campaign and establishing a foundation for sustained elite competition. Martínez's tactical emphasis on defensive solidity and balanced scoring led to a regular-season record of 23–9 and third-place finish, followed by dominant postseason performances that highlighted the team's depth and resilience.[6] Building on this success, Valencia Basket solidified its European presence, winning its fourth EuroCup title in 2019 by defeating ALBA Berlin 89–63 in the decisive Game 3 of the finals, a victory that earned automatic entry into the 2019–20 EuroLeague. The club also qualified for multiple EuroLeague seasons post-2015, participating in the 2019–20 edition until the tournament's suspension. These campaigns underscored Valencia's transition to consistent continental contention, with further EuroCup semifinal appearances in 2022 and 2025 reinforcing their competitive edge in Europe's second-tier club competition.[7] The 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons were profoundly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the ACB declaring no champion for 2019–20 despite Valencia leading the standings at suspension, and the EuroLeague resorting to a neutral-site Final Eight bubble format in 2020 amid widespread match postponements and positive cases within the squad. Valencia adapted through rigorous health protocols, including PCR testing and compensation plans for affected season ticket holders, enabling a phased return to play in a modified 2020–21 schedule that prioritized player safety.[8][9] In recent years, Valencia Basket delivered a standout 2024–25 EuroCup performance, finishing with a 16–2 regular-season record and advancing to the finals, where they were defeated by Hapoel Tel Aviv, highlighted by a historic 116–78 demolition of Turk Telekom on January 7, 2025—the largest margin of victory in club EuroCup history. The 2025–26 campaign began with a perfect 5–0 start in Liga Endesa as of early November, positioning the team atop the standings as the league's sole unbeaten side, while fan support reached new heights with over 15,000 season ticket holders, a record surpassing prior benchmarks and reflecting the club's enduring popularity. This resurgence included a return to the EuroLeague on a three-year license, signaling ongoing contention at basketball's highest levels.[10][11][12][13]Club identity
Arena
Valencia Basket's primary home venue is the Roig Arena, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Quatre Carreres district of Valencia, Spain, which opened in September 2025.[14] Designed by the architecture firm Fenwick Iribarren, the facility features a distinctive ceramic facade and advanced technology, including over 1,700 square meters of LED screens for enhanced spectator experiences.[15] With a seating capacity of 15,600 for basketball games—expandable to 18,600 with standing room for concerts and other events—it serves as the home for both the men's and women's teams, marking a significant upgrade in scale and amenities.[16] The arena's first official basketball game took place on October 3, 2025, against Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the EuroLeague.[17] Prior to moving to Roig Arena, Valencia Basket played its home games at the Pabellón Municipal Fuente de San Luis, commonly known as La Fonteta, located in the same district. The arena was originally opened in 1983 as a municipal sports facility to host a variety of events, including basketball, handball, and concerts. Valencia Basket, founded in 1986, began using La Fonteta as its home court starting in the 1987-88 season, establishing it as the club's longstanding venue for nearly four decades.[18] Over the years, the arena underwent several renovations, including a major interior remodel in 2016 that updated the stands, public areas, and players' facilities to improve comfort and safety, increasing its basketball-specific capacity to approximately 9,000 seats.[19] La Fonteta played a pivotal role in the club's rise, hosting key domestic and European matches that contributed to Valencia Basket's successes, such as the 2017 ACB League championship. It also accommodated major international basketball events, including the 2011 EuroLeague Women Final Four, where local team Ros Casares competed.[20] The venue was renowned for its electric fan atmosphere, with passionate supporters—known as taronja fans—creating an intense, intimidating environment that often boosted home-court advantage, as noted by visiting players and coaches.[21] This vibrant energy, combined with the arena's compact design, made La Fonteta a fortress for the team until its farewell event in June 2025.[22] The transition to Roig Arena preserves this legacy while providing modern operational features like premium seating, modular configurations, and integrated training spaces adjacent to the club's L'Alqueria del Basket academy.Sponsorship and naming rights
Valencia Basket's sponsorship history reflects a strategic evolution from primary corporate naming to a diversified model emphasizing multiple partners and internal branding. The club was initially known as Pamesa Valencia from 1987 to 2009, under a long-term agreement with the tile manufacturer Pamesa Cerámica, which provided financial stability during its early professional growth.[23] In 2009, following the end of the Pamesa deal, Power Electronics, a local renewable energy firm, became the primary sponsor, rebranding the team as Power Electronics Valencia until 2014; this partnership supported the club's entry into European competitions and infrastructure investments.[24] From 2014 onward, Valencia Basket adopted a sponsor-free jersey front to promote its "Culture of Endeavour" philosophy, marking a shift toward brand autonomy and ethical values over commercial naming, a decision that has endured into the 2025-26 season.[25] The club now features multiple secondary sponsors on its kits, including longstanding partners like Pamesa Cerámica (renewed through 2026), SPB (25 years of collaboration as of 2024), and Telefonica (ninth consecutive year in 2024), alongside newer additions such as Vitaldin, Puleva, Midea, and MGS Seguros.[26][27][28][29] These deals focus on visibility through kit placements, arena signage, and community programs rather than dominant naming. Regarding arena naming rights, the club's former home, Pabellón Fuente de San Luis (La Fonteta), carried the Pamesa Cerámica designation during the sponsor's tenure from 1987 to 2009, aligning venue branding with the team's identity.[30] No major naming changes occurred under Power Electronics, though the arena remained a key asset for sponsor activations. In September 2025, Valencia Basket relocated to the new Roig Arena, a 15,600-seat multipurpose venue named in honor of primary investor Juan Roig, the Mercadona executive who has funded much of the club's development; this non-commercial naming underscores a patronage model over traditional rights sales.[31] Sponsorships have significantly bolstered the club's finances since the 2000s, enabling sustained competitiveness in domestic and European leagues. Key partnerships, including Roig's personal investments—such as €35 million in sports patronage in 2017—have contributed to budgets exceeding €25 million annually by 2023-24, with over two-thirds from patrons and sponsors, funding player acquisitions, youth academies, and the Roig Arena project.[32][33] This approach has enhanced branding by tying commercial ties to the Culture of Endeavour, attracting aligned partners and fostering long-term stability without relying on a single dominant sponsor.[25]Logos and visual branding
Valencia Basket's visual identity has roots in the city's sporting heritage, with its original 1986 logo drawing inspiration from the emblem of Valencia CF, the local football club, incorporating the bat (murciélago) as a central symbol derived from Valencia's municipal coat of arms.[34] This bat, representing vigilance and good fortune in Valencian tradition, became more prominent in the club's branding during the 2000s as the team established its domestic presence, evolving the design to emphasize the stylized bat atop a shield-like structure integrated with basketball motifs.[35] The team's core colors—orange (taronja), black, and white—reflect the essence of the Valencia region, where orange symbolizes the area's renowned citrus groves and the energetic "taronja" spirit of its people, while black and white provide stark contrast for visibility and tradition.[36] These hues have remained consistent, underscoring the club's connection to local identity without major shifts, though blue accents occasionally appear in alternate uniforms for away games. In the 2010s, branding received refreshes for contemporary appeal, including a 2016 commemorative logo for the club's 30th anniversary that framed the traditional shield with the number 30, harmonizing the orange-black-white palette to celebrate milestones while maintaining emblematic elements.[37] These updates extended to uniforms and merchandise, adapting the bat and colors for digital media and fan apparel to enhance marketability, with subtle sponsor integrations ensuring visual cohesion across platforms.[35]Roster and personnel
Current roster
| No. | Pos. | Nat. | Player | Ht. | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | G | SEN | Brancou Badio | 1.93 m | 24 |
| 1 | G/F | USA | Kameron Taylor | 1.98 m | 26 |
| 2 | F | ESP | Josep Puerto (C) | 1.99 m | 26 |
| 3 | C | USA/HUN | Nate Reuvers | 2.11 m | 27 |
| 4 | F | ESP | Jaime Pradilla | 2.03 m | 22 |
| 5 | G | ESP | Sergio de Larrea | 1.77 m | 20 |
| 6 | F | ESP | Xabier López-Arostegui | 1.98 m | 28 |
| 7 | C | ESP | Yankuba Sima | 2.16 m | 23 |
| 8 | G | DOM | Jean Montero | 1.91 m | 23 |
| 10 | G | USA | Omari Moore | 1.98 m | 25 |
| 12 | C | FRA | Neal Sako | 2.10 m | 27 |
| 13 | G | USA | Darius Thompson | 1.93 m | 30 |
| 22 | F/C | USA | Ethan Happ | 2.08 m | 29 |
| 24 | C | USA | Matt Costello | 2.08 m | 32 |
| 32 | G | ESP | Isaac Nogués | 1.88 m | 19 |
| – | F | USA | Braxton Key | 2.03 m | 28 |
Depth chart
The depth chart for Valencia Basket in the 2025–26 season reflects a balanced rotation under head coach Pedro Martínez, emphasizing versatility in the backcourt and frontcourt depth to manage the demands of both Liga ACB and EuroLeague play. With 17 players associated with the active roster, the lineup prioritizes experienced starters alongside reliable backups and developmental reserves, allowing for flexible lineups in response to matchups and injuries.[39][38]| Position | Starter | Backup | Reserves |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Jean Montero (#8) | Darius Thompson (#13) | Sergio De Larrea (#5) |
| SG | Omari Moore (#10) | Brancou Badio (#0) | Isaac Nogués (#32) |
| SF | Josep Puerto (#2, Captain) | Xabier López-Arostegui (#6) | Braxton Key, Kameron Taylor (#1) |
| PF | Jaime Pradilla (#4) | Nate Sestina (#77) | Ethan Happ (#22) |
| C | Matt Costello (#24) | Neal Sako (#12) | Yankuba Sima (#7, recovering from injury), Nate Reuvers (#3) |
Head coaches
Valencia Basket has seen a succession of head coaches since its founding in 1986, with tenures varying from short stints in the early years to longer periods that coincided with the club's rise in domestic and European competitions. The initial coaches focused on building the team's infrastructure and achieving promotions to higher leagues, while later figures introduced tactical evolutions that emphasized defensive intensity, fast breaks, and three-point volume. In the foundation era (1986–1997), the club relied on local talent for leadership. Toni Ferrer co-coached with Fernando Jiménez in 1986–87, guiding the team in its debut season in Primera B.[44] Antoni Serra took over for 1987–88, securing promotion to the ACB League, and continued into 1988–89 before being replaced mid-season by Ferrer.[45][18] José Antonio Figueroa coached from 1989–90, earning another promotion to ACB's top tier, and started 1990–91 until mid-season replacement by Jiménez.[46][47] Manu Moreno led from 1991–92 through 1995, stabilizing the team in the ACB with a focus on fundamental defense and local player integration.[48] The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a shift toward international influences. Mihajlo Vuković's tenure from 1995–2000 introduced structured offensive systems, helping the club avoid relegation and enter European competitions for the first time. Luis Casimiro coached 2000–02, emphasizing team chemistry, while Paco Olmos held the role from 2002–08 (with a brief interruption), implementing a high-tempo style that boosted scoring averages and led to consistent playoff appearances. A pivotal era began with Neven Spahija's appointment in 2008, lasting until 2010. Spahija, a Croatian tactician, revolutionized Valencia's approach with an up-tempo offense prioritizing quick transitions and perimeter shooting, averaging over 80 points per game in his tenure. His innovations included zone presses to force turnovers and flexible pick-and-roll schemes that maximized guard penetration, culminating in the 2010 EuroCup title—the club's first major European trophy—with a 78-77 finals win over Charleroi.[49] Subsequent coaches built on this foundation. Velimir Perasović (2012–15) brought a balanced philosophy blending robust interior defense with selective three-point attempts, securing the 2014 EuroCup via a 96-87 finals victory over Seville and reaching the EuroLeague playoffs. Pedro Martínez's first stint (2015–17) stressed disciplined ball movement and aggressive pick-and-roll defense, leading to the 2017 ACB League championship with a 3-0 finals sweep of Real Madrid; his team posted a 25-9 regular-season record.[50] Txus Vidorreta (2017–18) focused on veteran leadership and half-court execution during a transitional period. Jaume Ponsarnau (2018–21) emphasized adaptive defenses and player versatility, winning the 2019 EuroCup (82-70 over Bologna in the finals) through innovative switching schemes on the perimeter. Álex Mumbrú coached from 2022–24, introducing data-driven rotations and zone defenses to counter elite offenses, though the team faced challenges in sustaining playoff runs. Martínez returned in May 2024 on a two-year deal, extending through 2026. As of November 2025, in his second stint (2024–present), he has amassed 143 official wins with the club, tying Mihajlo Vuković's all-time record, and reached his 200th game in October 2025 during a 5-0 start to the 2025–26 season. His current philosophy centers on aggressive pick-and-roll traps and multifaceted offensive sets, as detailed in analyses of his 24 tactical plays from the prior campaign, fostering a league-leading defensive efficiency of 75.2 points allowed per game early in the season.[51][52][53][54]| Coach | Tenure | Key Achievements/ Innovations |
|---|---|---|
| Toni Ferrer & Fernando Jiménez | 1986–87 | Team foundation; debut in Primera B.[44] |
| Antoni Serra | 1987–89 | Promotion to ACB (1988); consistent local development.[45][18] |
| José Antonio Figueroa | 1989–91 | Promotion to ACB top tier (1990); offensive fundamentals.[46][47] |
| Fernando Jiménez | 1990–91 (mid), 1991 | Stabilization in ACB.[47] |
| Manu Moreno | 1991–95 | Mid-table ACB finishes; defensive focus.[48] |
| Mihajlo Vuković | 1995–2000 | European debut; structured offenses. |
| Luis Casimiro | 2000–02 | Team chemistry emphasis. |
| Paco Olmos | 2002–08, 2010–12 | High-tempo play; multiple playoff runs. |
| Neven Spahija | 2008–10 | 2010 EuroCup win; transition offense and zone presses. |
| Velimir Perasović | 2012–15 | 2014 EuroCup win; balanced defense-offense. |
| Pedro Martínez | 2015–17, 2024–present | 2017 ACB title; aggressive PnR defense, tactical sets; 143 wins (all-time tie), 2025 EuroCup Coach of the Year.[50][55][54] |
| Txus Vidorreta | 2017–18 | Half-court execution in transition.[56] |
| Jaume Ponsarnau | 2018–21 | 2019 EuroCup win; switching defenses. |
| Álex Mumbrú | 2022–24 | Data-driven rotations; zone variations. |
Retired numbers and honors
Valencia Basket honors its most impactful players by retiring their jersey numbers, a tradition that began in the early 2000s to recognize individuals who embodied the club's values and contributed to its rise in domestic and European basketball.[57] These retirements typically occur during ceremonial events at the club's home arena, La Fonteta, and are reserved for players with long tenures, leadership roles, and pivotal achievements in team successes such as league titles and EuroLeague contention.[58] The decision reflects the club's emphasis on loyalty and legacy, ensuring no future player wears the number, symbolizing an enduring bond with the fanbase known as "taronja."[59] The following table lists the retired jersey numbers, along with the associated players, reasons for the honor, and ceremony dates:| Number | Player | Reasons for Retirement | Ceremony Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Nacho Rodilla | Long-serving point guard (1994–2003) who led the team to early successes, including the 1998 Copa del Rey MVP award and club growth during its formative years. | September 17, 2006[60] |
| 15 | Víctor Luengo | Homegrown forward (1992–2009) and club icon with 17 seasons of service, contributing to the 1998 Copa del Rey and 2003 EuroCup titles and exemplifying dedication as a youth academy product. | October 5, 2009 [57] |
| 17 | Rafa Martínez | Captain and shooting guard (2011–2022) who won five trophies, including the 2017 ACB League championship, and served as a leader during the club's sustained European contention. | October 2, 2022 [58] |
| 9 | Sam van Rossom | Belgian point guard (2012–2024) and the first foreigner to receive the honor, amassing over 400 games, multiple titles, and key roles in EuroLeague finals appearances as a tactical leader. | May 10, 2025 [61] |
Performance records
Season-by-season results
| Season | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | European Competition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986–87 | 2ª División B | 5th (Group East) | - | - | Promoted to 2ª División |
| 1987–88 | 2ª División | 3rd | Promoted | - | - |
| 1988–89 | 2ª División | 1st | Promoted | - | Promotion to Liga ACB |
| 1989–90 | Liga ACB | 20th | - | - | - |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 2016–17 | Liga ACB | 3rd | Champions (def. Real Madrid 3–2) | EuroCup | Champions (def. Lokomotiv Kuban 2–0) |
| 2017–18 | Liga ACB | 5th | Quarterfinalist | EuroLeague | 11th (12–18) |
| 2018–19 | Liga ACB | 3rd | Quarterfinalist | EuroCup | Champions (def. Alba Berlin 2–1) |
| 2019–20 | Liga ACB | 3rd | Semifinalist | EuroLeague | 10th (13–17, COVID-shortened) |
| 2020–21 | Liga ACB | 4th | Semifinalist | EuroLeague | 7th (18–16) |
| 2021–22 | Liga ACB | 4th | Quarterfinalist | EuroLeague | 10th (15–19) |
| 2022–23 | Liga ACB | 8th | Quarterfinalist | EuroLeague | 13th (15–19) |
| 2023–24 | Liga ACB | 6th | Quarterfinalist | EuroLeague | 11th (14–20) |
| 2024–25 | Liga ACB | 2nd | Runners-up (lost to Real Madrid 0–3) | EuroCup | Semifinalist (lost to Hapoel Tel Aviv 1–2) |
| 2025–26 | Liga ACB | Ongoing | - | EuroLeague | Ongoing |
Domestic competitions
Valencia Basket has achieved significant success in the Liga ACB, Spain's premier basketball league, with one championship title to its name. The club won its sole Liga Endesa title in the 2016–17 season, defeating Real Madrid 3–2 in the finals series, marking the first league crown in its history.[64] This victory came after a hard-fought playoff run, including a semifinal win over Baskonia. In the 2024–25 season, Valencia reached its second Liga ACB finals appearance but fell to Real Madrid 3–0, finishing as runners-up.[65] The team has been a consistent playoff contender, qualifying for the postseason in 29 of its participations since the early 1990s, often securing top seeds in the regular season.[66] In the Copa del Rey, Valencia Basket's domestic cup competition, the club has one victory and multiple final appearances. It claimed the 1998 edition, defeating Joventut Badalona 89–75 in the final held in Valladolid, securing its first major national trophy.[67] Subsequent finals came in 2006 (loss to Unicaja Málaga), 2013 (85–69 defeat to FC Barcelona in Santiago de Compostela), and 2017 (loss to Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz).[67][68][69] The team has also reached the semifinals in 2011, 2014, 2020, and 2024, demonstrating sustained competitiveness. Valencia has hosted the Copa del Rey in the past, including the 1998–99 edition at Pabellón Municipal, though it was eliminated early that year; the club is scheduled to host again in 2026 and 2027 at the new Roig Arena.[70][71] Historically, Valencia Basket faced early challenges with promotion and relegation in the Spanish leagues. Founded in 1986, the club earned promotion to the Liga ACB in 1989 but suffered relegation to the second-tier EBA in 1995 after losing a playoff to Huesca. It swiftly returned to the top flight in 1996 under coach Miki Vukovic, who stabilized the team and laid the foundation for future success. Since then, the club has avoided further relegation risks, establishing itself as a mid-tier power. Key rivalries, particularly with FC Barcelona, have defined intense matchups, including multiple playoff clashes and the 2013 Copa final, highlighting the competitive tension in Spanish basketball.[72][68] Valencia Basket won the Supercopa Endesa in 2025, defeating Real Madrid in the final.[2]European competitions
Valencia Basket has established itself as a dominant force in European basketball, particularly in the EuroCup, where it has secured four titles, more than any other club. The club's first triumph came in the inaugural 2002-03 ULEB Cup season, defeating Krka Novo Mesto in the finals with a 2-0 series victory: 90-78 away in Game 1 and 78-76 at home in Game 2, led by Finals MVP Dejan Tomašević, who averaged 18.5 points and 8 rebounds across the series. This success marked Valencia's entry into the continental elite, qualifying it for higher-tier competitions thereafter.[73][74] The second EuroCup title arrived in the 2009-10 season, with a commanding 67-44 single-game final win over Alba Berlin in Treviso, Italy, where Valencia's defense held the opponents to just 34.1% shooting. Matt Nielsen earned Finals MVP honors, contributing 15 points and 7 rebounds in the decisive victory, which propelled the team back to the EuroLeague spotlight. By the 2013-14 campaign, Valencia swept Unicaja Málaga in the best-of-three finals, winning Game 1 68-62 at home, Game 2 70-64 on the road, and sealing the series 80-67 in Game 3, for an aggregate of 218-193; Justin Doellman was named MVP with 19.3 points per game in the finals. This repeat success underscored Valencia's tactical depth under coach Velimir Perasović, emphasizing perimeter defense and fast breaks.[75][76][77] Valencia's fourth EuroCup crown in the 2018-19 season came against familiar foes Alba Berlin in another best-of-three series, overcoming a narrow Game 2 overtime loss (92-95) with dominant wins in Game 1 (89-75) and Game 3 (89-63), finishing with a 2-1 series edge. Will Thomas claimed MVP accolades, averaging 17 points and 6.3 rebounds, highlighting the team's resilience in high-stakes elimination formats. These victories, often earned through domestic league qualifications, have provided consistent pathways to the EuroLeague, though challenges persist against powerhouses like Real Madrid, whose physicality and depth have tested Valencia in key regular-season clashes, such as narrow defeats in the 2024-25 EuroLeague campaign. Since earning a permanent EuroLeague spot via the 2016-17 Liga ACB title, Valencia has competed in seven consecutive seasons (2017-18 through 2023-24), with consistent mid-table contention reflecting balanced rosters blending veterans like Bojan Dubljević and emerging talents. Other notable campaigns include 10th-place finishes in 2019-20 (13-17, COVID-shortened) and 2021-22 (15-19). In the 2024-25 EuroCup—after dropping from the EuroLeague—Valencia set a club scoring record with a 116-78 home win over Türk Telekom on January 8, 2025, erupting for 146 PIR and securing mathematical playoff qualification early; the team finished the regular season 16-2 (1st place), won the quarterfinals 2-0 over U-BT Cluj-Napoca, but lost in the semifinals 1-2 to Hapoel Tel Aviv, who went on to win the title.[67][1][78][5] These European efforts have been marked by qualification via strong domestic performances, yet rivalries with teams like Real Madrid often demand adaptive strategies to overcome superior bench production in continental play.Individual awards
Valencia Basket players and coaches have earned numerous individual honors in domestic and European competitions, reflecting the club's emphasis on developing talent and achieving excellence at the highest levels of professional basketball. These accolades span the Liga ACB (Spain's top league), the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa Endesa, and the EuroCup, highlighting standout performances by key figures who have contributed to the team's success.[79][55]Liga ACB Awards
Players from Valencia Basket have been recognized for their dominance in the regular season, playoffs, and youth categories. Justin Doellman was named the ACB Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2013-14 regular season, leading the team with exceptional scoring and efficiency.[79] Bojan Dubljević earned the ACB Finals MVP in 2017, averaging 20.5 points and 10 rebounds per game in the championship series against Real Madrid.[80] The All-ACB First Team has featured several Valencia standouts, including Romain Sato and Justin Doellman in 2013-14, Pau Ribas in 2014-15, Justin Hamilton and Bojan Dubljević in 2015-16, Bojan Dubljević again in 2016-17 and 2018-19, and Jean Montero in 2024-25.[79][81] In the Best Young Player category, Guillem Vives won in 2014-15, Jaime Pradilla in 2021-22, and Jean Montero in 2024-25, tying the record for most consecutive wins held by Luka Dončić and Carlos Alocén.[79][82]| Award | Recipient | Year |
|---|---|---|
| ACB MVP (Regular Season) | Justin Doellman | 2013-14 |
| ACB Finals MVP | Bojan Dubljević | 2016-17 |
| All-ACB First Team | Jean Montero | 2024-25 |
| Best Young Player | Jean Montero | 2024-25 |
Copa del Rey and Supercopa Endesa Awards
Nacho Rodilla was named MVP of the 1998 Copa del Rey, where he averaged 18.3 points and 5 assists per game, guiding Valencia to its first and only title in the competition to date.[83] In the Supercopa Endesa, Sergio de Larrea became the youngest MVP ever at 19 years old in 2025, scoring 21 points and dishing 2 assists in the final against Real Madrid.[84]EuroCup Awards
Valencia Basket's EuroCup successes have produced multiple Finals MVPs, underscoring the club's European pedigree. Dejan Tomašević earned the honor in 2003, averaging 15.5 points and 8 rebounds in the finals sweep against Krka Novo Mesto.[85] Matt Nielsen was MVP in 2010, contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds per game against Alba Berlin.[76] Justin Doellman repeated his domestic excellence by winning in 2014 with 27 points per game against Unicaja Málaga, and Will Thomas claimed it in 2019, averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds against Alba Berlin.[86] In broader EuroCup recognition, Jean Montero was selected to the 2024-25 All-EuroCup First Team after leading the league in assists (6.8 apg), while Xabi López-Arostegui and Semi Ojeleye made the Second Team.[87][88] The Rising Star Award has gone to Víctor Claver in 2010, Bojan Dubljević in 2013 and 2014, and Jean Montero in 2025.[89] For coaches, Pedro Martínez won EuroCup Coach of the Year in 2016-17 and 2024-25, guiding the team to strong regular-season performances and deep playoff runs.[55]| Award | Recipient | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EuroCup Finals MVP | Will Thomas | 2018-19 |
| All-EuroCup First Team | Jean Montero | 2024-25 |
| EuroCup Rising Star | Jean Montero | 2024-25 |
| EuroCup Coach of the Year | Pedro Martínez | 2024-25 |
