Vilnius, Lithuania. On June 5–7, Vilnius hosted BuzelisCup’26 for the third consecutive year, bringing together the international youth basketball community for a weekend of competition, education, and celebration. Named after one of the most prominent names in NBA today – Lithuanian forward for Chicago Bulls, Matas Buzelis – the tournament began in 2024 with just 8-teams and has grown into a major international youth sports event, now welcoming 52 teams from more than 12 countries across Europe and beyond.
BuzelisCup’26 has become more than just a sporting event – it is a celebration of the entire basketball community, where competition on the court is equally important as unity, emotions, and the opportunity for young players to meet some of the biggest names in Lithuanian and international basketball.
“It’s incredible to see BuzelisCup continue to grow and welcome teams from across Europe and beyond to Vilnius. Lithuania has a deep passion for basketball, and Vilnius provides an amazing stage for young players to compete, learn, and create unforgettable memories. What makes this event special is not only the level of basketball on the court, but also the opportunity for players, coaches, and families from different countries to connect through the game. We’re proud to host everyone in Vilnius and celebrate the global basketball community together,” said Matas Buzelis.
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 3×3, Youth Nations League 2026 matches in June as well as the Vilnius Swedbank Marathon, and World Team Disc Golf Championships.
