Zalgiris Kaunas breaks its budget record!

Sylvain Francisco’s Zalgiris Kaunas made a strong statement in their EuroLeague 2025-2026 opener. By winning in Monaco (84-89), the Lithuanian champions reminded everyone they remain a respected power in Europe. This comes as their president Paulius Jankunas and general manager Gediminas Navickas announced a record budget for this season: 21.7 million euros, with 14.4 million allocated to player and staff salaries.

Zalgiris jaunās sezonas budžets ir 21,7 miljoni eiro, no kuriem 14,4 paredzēti spēlētāju un pārējā personāla algām.

Pagājušajā sezonā kopējais budžets bija 17,7 miljoni, spēlētāju un personāla algām atvēlot 11,7 miljonus pic.twitter.com/JjQl19w1W6

— NBA Latvija (@NBALatvija) October 3, 2025

A significantly increasing budget

This budget largely surpasses the club’s previous record (17.7 million euros in 2024-2025, including 11.7 million for salaries). In five years, Zalgiris’ finances have more than doubled, rising from 9.7 million in 2020-2021 to this historic peak.

For this season, the club expects to generate 18.8 million euros in revenue, demonstrating its economic stability. The consistently packed Zalgirio Arena and massive Lithuanian public support are major contributors.

An ambitious roster around Francisco

During the offseason, while Zalgiris changed coaches, they maintained continuity by keeping their core, including Frenchman Sylvain Francisco, who extended until 2027. Management also added significant recruits: Nigel Williams-Goss and Moses Wright (ex-Olympiakos), two former Paris players Dustin Sleva (ex-Besiktas) and Maodo Lo, as well as young Lithuanian international Azuolas Tubelis from rival Rytas Vilnius.

Zalgiris aims for playoffs

With such a budget and competitive roster, Kaunas clearly shows its ambitions: no longer just being a spoiler, but aiming for a regular place in the EuroLeague playoffs. Their next game against Fenerbahce this Friday evening in Lithuania will be another real test.