Rytas Vilnius will begin the new 2025–2026 basketball season with some changes – the capital’s club has officially confirmed that its first home games will be played at the Active Vilnius Arena.
This decision came after longer-than-expected negotiations over the adjacent arena rental. To ensure clarity and stability for both the team and its supporters, the club’s management chose a reliable solution – an arena that fans have already turned into the true home of Rytas through their support.
“We are very close to a final agreement with the arena’s operator, but there are still questions regarding the fan experience and safeguarding the club’s interests. We proposed various solutions that would have benefited all parties, but so far no compromise has been reached with the third parties involved with the arena, so we see no point in moving under these conditions,” said Rytas Vilnius director Jaroslav Latušinskij. “Until we have a clear solution suitable for everyone, we chose to start the season at Active Vilnius Arena – here our community feels at home, and membership holders can renew their seats without disruption.”
Although negotiations regarding another arena are not yet finalized, the most important thing is that the capital’s team has a secure place for its games, and fans can secure their seats starting September 8, when the JBR membership renewal for the 2025–2026 season begins.
The season will start with an intense schedule – on September 21, Rytas will play its first Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) game against Kėdainiai’s Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas, and a few days later, on September 24, will host Gargždai’s Gargždus at home.
Active Vilnius Arena is the stronghold of Rytas Vilnius, renowned for its unique atmosphere. Here, fans are very close to the court, and their support creates real pressure on opponents. In this arena, supporters will continue to enjoy the games and cheer for the team, while the club, together with its partner Active Vilnius, will strive to ensure the best possible experience both on the court and in the stands.