Vilnius Welcomes Europe's Next Generation of Basketball Talent

Over the weekend, Vilnius became a meeting point for the next generation of basketball talent as Buzelis Cup’26 brought together young athletes, coaches, families and basketball professionals from across Europe and beyond. Now in its third year, the tournament has grown into one of the region's largest international youth basketball gatherings, combining competition, education and community-building both on and off the court.

On June 5–7, Vilnius hosted Buzelis Cup’26 for the third consecutive year, welcoming 52 teams from more than 12 countries. Named after NBA player and Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, the tournament has evolved significantly since its inaugural edition, which featured just eight teams. Today, it brings together young athletes from across Europe and beyond, having grown from a local initiative into a major international youth basketball gathering. 

What sets Buzelis Cup apart is its focus beyond competition. Alongside the games, participants had the opportunity to engage with professional athletes, coaches, sports executives and industry leaders, gaining insights into both sporting and professional pathways. The event has become a celebration of the wider basketball community, where education, inspiration and personal development are as important as results on the court.

A central highlight of the weekend was the Buzelis Cup’26 Conference held on June 5, where participants and guests met some of the most recognisable names in Lithuanian and international basketball. Speakers included Matas Buzelis, Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas, Reebok's Head of Basketball Jide Osifeso, coach David Fauthoux, Betterguards CEO Tony Verutti and other sports professionals.

“Lithuania has always lived and breathed basketball, and with its infrastructure and passion, Vilnius is the perfect place to bring young players from different countries together," said Jonas Valančiūnas. “Tournaments like Buzelis Cup are about much more than results – they give young athletes the chance to learn from each other, build friendships and experience what being part of the basketball community really means.”

Beyond the conference, Buzelis Cup’26 unfolded across multiple venues throughout Vilnius, featuring international youth competitions, playoffs, finals and an awards ceremony, alongside fan activities and community engagement zones. The weekend also included a festive basketball celebration and symbolic parade around Active Vilnius Arena, bringing together players, coaches, families and fans.

“Buzelis Cup has grown into much more than a tournament. It has become a place where young athletes can compete, learn and build friendships with peers from different countries and cultures. For Vilnius, it is inspiring to see basketball bring together so many young people and create experiences that extend far beyond the court,” says Vita Žilinskaitė, Head of the Convention Bureau at Go Vilnius.

By bringing together competition, education and direct access to some of basketball's most recognisable figures, Buzelis Cup has established itself as a unique experience for young players from across Europe and beyond. As the tournament continues to grow, it is helping create opportunities, friendships and memories that extend far beyond the final whistle.

A central highlight of the weekend was the BuzelisCup’26 Conference held on June 5, where participants and guests had the opportunity to meet some of the most recognizable names in Lithuanian basketball, including Matas Buzelis, who plays for Chicago Bulls, Jonas Valančiūnas a center for Denver Nuggets, alongside Head of Basketball at Reebok Jide Osifeso, coach David Fauthoux, CEO of Betterguards Tony Verutti, and other sports professionals.

Following the conference, Vilnius hosted a festive basketball celebration and symbolic parade around the Active Vilnius Arena, bringing together players, coaches, families, and fans. The event featured music, entertainment, and community activities, as well as one of the defining images of the weekend – hundreds of children carrying basketballs and national flags showcasing unity.

Across the weekend, Vilnius was full of events across multiple arenas, featuring international youth teams, group-stage matches, playoffs, finals, and an awards ceremony, alongside fan activities and community engagement zones.

“BuzelisCup’26 has grown into much more than a tournament. It has become a place where young athletes can compete, learn and build friendships with peers from different countries and cultures. For Vilnius, it is inspiring to see basketball bring together so many young people and create experiences that extend far beyond the court,” says Vita Žilinskaitė, Head of the Convention Bureau at “Go Vilnius”, the city’s official tourism and business development agency.

Vilnius continues to feature on the international sports calendar, with upcoming highlights including the FIBA 3x3, Youth Nations League 2026 matches in June as well as the Vilnius Swedbank Marathon, and World Team Disc Golf Championships.