Valencia Basket kicks off the 2026-2027 season with the Supercup Endesa semifinal against Barça, a match scheduled for this Saturday at 9:00 PM in Badalona. This encounter marks the beginning of a new era under the guidance of Xavi Albert, who previously led the team in the final stretch of the previous campaign.
The 'taronja' team approaches this tournament recalling last season's success, which began precisely with winning this very Supercup. That victory was the prelude to a historic season, highlighted by their qualification for the EuroLeague Final Four and the conquest of their second Liga Endesa title, all while showcasing an attractive playing style that captivated the Roig Arena.
The squad's composition has undergone significant changes. The departure of key players such as Pedro Martínez, Brancou Badio, Jean Montero, and Jaime Pradilla, along with the non-renewal of Braxton Key and the anticipated exits of Xabi López-Arostegui, Matt Costello, and Darius Thompson, have necessitated a deep reconstruction for the club.
The sports management has focused on retaining fundamental players like Kameron Taylor and has recruited EuroLeague talents such as TJ Shorts and Armori Brooks, in addition to promising young players like Gonzalo Corbalán and Mario Saint-Supéry. Calculated risks have also been taken with signings like Dylan Osetkowsky and the European debut of Mo Gueye, alongside the return of homegrown player Lucas Marí.
The star signing at the last minute has been Nikola Mirotic, although he arrives with limited match fitness. Center Neal Sako will be out due to injury, while Jasiel Rivero is dealing with physical discomfort. Xavi Albert will have to leave out three players from the fifteen-man squad to finalize the roster.
Meanwhile, Barça has also undergone a profound overhaul, bringing in eleven new signings to increase physicality and intensity under the guidance of new coach Aleksander Sekulic. The Catalan team will be without Tosan Evbuomwan and Yoan Makoundou, with Dario Brizuela being a doubt.
The semifinal will pit two revamped projects with high aspirations against each other. Valencia Basket will aim to prove it can maintain its competitive level despite the changes, while Barça will seek to showcase its new identity.
The second semifinal will be contested between Joventut and Kosner Baskonia at 6:00 PM. Should Valencia win, the final for the title will be played on Sunday.
