Intercontinental Cup: NBA G-League United crowned champion for the first time

The NBA G League United won its first Intercontinental Cup this Sunday in Beijing, defeating Rytas Vilnius (89-86). After two lost finals, the G-League selection becomes the first American team crowned in the competition since 1974.

By@Hisham Grégoire

September 28, 2026 at 10:51

Intercontinental Cup: NBA G-League United crowned champion for the first time

NBA G League United succeeds Malaga on the FIBA Intercontinental Cup roll of honor

Photo Credit : FIBA

NBA G-League United has its first Intercontinental Cup title. Beaten by Unicaja in the final in 2024 and 2025, the G-League selection dominated Rytas Vilnius (89-86), this Sunday in Beijing. Trailing by four points at halftime, they built up to a 13-point lead before withstanding the Lithuanians' comeback. Eric Dixon was named MVP of the competition.

THEY HAVE DONE IT! G League UNITED are your new FIBA Intercontinental Cup champs 🏆🔥#IntercontinentalCup pic.twitter.com/mQ8mGK6S94
— FIBA Intercontinental Cup (@FIBAIC) September 27, 2026

NBA G League United withstands Rytas Vilnius comeback

After erasing their first-half deficit, NBA G League United led by 13 points with six minutes remaining. Just like in the BCL final in May 2026 against AEK Athens, Rytas Vilnius still managed to tie the game twice in the final 90 seconds.

Eric Dixon answered the first Lithuanian comeback with a 3-pointer, then the second with a left-handed hook shot. Sean East II then preserved his team's lead at the free throw line. With 19 points, he finished as the top scorer for the specially assembled team, ahead of Dixon (18 points).

Eric Dixon named Intercontinental Cup MVP

Coming off the bench in the final, Eric Dixon added 5 rebounds to his 18 points. The former Villanova star (NCAA's top scorer in 2024-2025) had scored at least 10 points in each of NBA G League United's three previous games in the tournament.

Rytas Vilnius played this final without their starting point guard Cassius Winston, who suffered an ankle injury in the semifinal. Kay Bruhnke and Matas Jogela each scored 15 points for the Lithuanian club.

Eric Dixon is your 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup MVP 👑✨🤓#IntercontinentalCup pic.twitter.com/NtntIIocLg
— FIBA Intercontinental Cup (@FIBAIC) September 27, 2026

A first title after two lost finals

NBA G League United had reached the final in the 2024 and 2025 editions, losing both times to Unicaja. Their third consecutive final brings them their first trophy.

This success is also the first for an American team in the Intercontinental Cup since the Maryland Terrapins in 1974. The Beijing final was played in front of 8,342 spectators.