Rytas Vilnius is set to embark on a major global campaign as the Basketball Champions League Europe winners head to Beijing, China, for the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup this September.
Marking a new chapter in the tournament’s 60-year history, the prestigious event moves to the Chinese capital after three successful editions in Singapore.
The tournament maintains its highly competitive six-team format, split into two groups of three. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals on September 26, culminating in the Championship Game on September 27.
Rytas Vilnius Headlines Group A
Rytas has been drawn into Group A, where they will face champions from two different continents:
- Shanghai Sharks (China) – the reigning title holders of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
- RSSB Tigers (Rwanda) – the powerhouse champions of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Meanwhile, Group B will feature:
- Boca Juniors (Argentina) – Basketball Champions League Americas winners.
- Beijing Royal Fighters (China) – the tournament hosts.
- NBA G League United (USA) – a select team that reached the Intercontinental Cup Finals in both 2024 and 2025.
Tournament Schedule
Rytas Vilnius will jump straight into action on the opening days of the tournament:
- September 22: Rytas Vilnius vs. RSSB Tigers (Group B: Boca Juniors vs. Beijing Royal Fighters).
- September 23: Rytas Vilnius vs. Shanghai Sharks (Group B: NBA G League United vs. Boca Juniors).
- September 24: RSSB Tigers vs. Shanghai Sharks (Group B: Beijing Royal Fighters vs. NBA G League United).
- September 25: Rest Day
- September 26: Semi-Finals & Fifth-Place Game
- September 27: Championship Game & Third-Place Game
A Historic Debut
This tournament marks a historic milestone for Rytas Vilnius as they make their debut in the Intercontinental Cup. Alongside the Lithuanian side, the RSSB
Tigers, Shanghai Sharks, Beijing Royal Fighters, and Boca Juniors are also debuting in the competition. The NBA G League United remains the sole team in the field with previous tournament experience.
European clubs have historically dominated this six-team format, with Spain’s Unicaja lifting the trophy in the last two editions. Brazil’s Sesi Franca remains the only Americas winner under the current system, claiming the title in 2023.