Returning with silver medals from the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Beijing, Rytas Vilnius tips off the new season on home hardwood, with an opening week promising everything fans have been waiting for since the historic triumph in Badalona.
On Saturday, October 3, at 16:30, the Vilnius side opens its season in the LKL, sponsored by Betsson, against Gargždai. Just three days later, on Tuesday, October 6, the team steps onto the court in the FIBA Champions League as defending champions for the first time in club history, hosting Azerbaijani champions Sabah Baku. The club’s objective is clear: to pack the arena for both fixtures and prove right from the opening tip that Vilnius boasts the best atmosphere anywhere.
Due to their trip to China, Rytas Vilnius starts the domestic campaign later than the rest of the league, finally stepping into official action this Saturday. This first test on home soil will be far from straightforward: in just one year in the top flight, Gargždai has already proven to be a stubborn adversary, having beaten Rytas Vilnius twice last season.
When the club from Gargždai debuted in Lithuania’s top division last season, Rytas Vilnius won the first encounter in the capital comfortably (99:73). However, Gargždai answered by stunning Vilnius twice on their own home floor (82:78 and 103:98). Those upset victories helped the newcomers finish sixth and reach the playoffs. While their roster has undergone major changes this season under new head coach Paulius Malašauskas, they have already showcased their strength: defeating Šiauliai 90:79, with JaQuan Carlos delivering 23 points and 9 assists. Furthermore, in their opener against Neptūnas Klaipėda, Gargždai erased a 17-point deficit to secure the win, making it clear they will be tough opponents. Saturday represents not only the start of the season for Vilnius, but also a prime opportunity to seek payback on home court for last year’s defeats.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to start our campaign both in the Lithuanian Basketball League, sponsored by Betsson, and in the FIBA Champions League at home in front of our fans. We already felt their incredible energy during the pre-season tournament in Vilnius, where the atmosphere was on a completely different level and helped us play two strong games. We hope for that same passionate support—and even more—because we genuinely need it,” said head coach Nedas Pacevičius. “We clearly identified the areas we need to improve after China, and we hope that with the crowd behind us, we can successfully launch our campaign against both Gargždai and Baku. We invite all the fans who might still be hesitating to come out and kick off this season together with us.”
Following Saturday’s domestic opener, the team turns its focus on Tuesday to the competition they won for the first time in club history last year. The title defense begins against Sabah Baku. Although young, the Azerbaijani outfit is exceptionally ambitious: founded in 2022, they captured the national championship in their inaugural season and have won four consecutive domestic titles. The Baku club is currently coached by Serbian tactician Lazar Spasić. With Nanterre 92 from France and Trabzonspor from Turkey also looming in Group A, securing a victory in the first home fixture is a critical step toward advancing to the next round.
Last season, Rytas Vilnius lifted the Champions League trophy alongside the fans who stood behind them from the opening group match all the way to the final. The club now calls on its community to rally behind the team as the title defense officially begins.
Tickets are available at bilietai.lt. Secure your seat in the arena and let’s open the season with authority across both matchups!