Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis hosted the third edition of BuzelisCup in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 5 to 7 June 2026, as the youth basketball tournament continued its rapid growth into one of Europe’s most prominent international junior competitions.
The event welcomed 52 teams from more than 12 countries across Europe and beyond, a dramatic rise from the 8 teams that took part when the tournament launched in 2024. Matches were held across multiple arenas in the Lithuanian capital, with group-stage games, playoffs, finals and an awards ceremony taking place across the three-day programme.
BuzelisCup’26 opened on 5 June with a dedicated conference at which participants and guests met some of the most recognised names in Lithuanian and international basketball. Speakers included Buzelis himself alongside Jonas Valančiūnas, centre for the Denver Nuggets, Jide Osifeso, Head of Basketball at Reebok, coach David Fauthoux, and Tony Verutti, CEO of Betterguards.
Following the conference, Vilnius hosted a festive basketball celebration and symbolic parade around the Active Vilnius Arena. The event brought together players, coaches, families and fans and featured music, entertainment and community activities. One of the defining images of the weekend saw hundreds of children carrying basketballs and national flags in a display of international unity.
“It’s incredible to see BuzelisCup continue to grow and welcome teams from across Europe and beyond to Vilnius,” said Matas Buzelis, NBA forward and tournament founder. “Lithuania has a deep passion for basketball, and Vilnius provides an amazing stage for young players to compete, learn, and create unforgettable memories. What makes this event special is not only the level of basketball on the court, but also the opportunity for players, coaches, and families from different countries to connect through the game.”
“We’re proud to host everyone in Vilnius and celebrate the global basketball community together,” Buzelis added.
The tournament has positioned itself as more than a competition, placing equal weight on education, community engagement and the opportunity for young players to interact with professional figures from the sport. Fan activity zones and community engagement areas ran alongside the on-court programme throughout the weekend.
Vita Žilinskaitė, Head of the Convention Bureau at Go Vilnius, the city’s official tourism and business development agency, said the event had grown into something with lasting significance for the city. “BuzelisCup’26 has grown into much more than a tournament. It has become a place where young athletes can compete, learn and build friendships with peers from different countries and cultures,” she said.
“For Vilnius, it is inspiring to see basketball bring together so many young people and create experiences that extend far beyond the court,” Žilinskaitė added.
Lithuania has long held a prominent position in international basketball, with a tradition stretching back decades and a string of NBA players emerging from the country. Vilnius has increasingly positioned itself as a host city for major sporting events, and BuzelisCup forms part of a broader calendar of international competition coming to the capital in 2026.
Upcoming sports events in Vilnius include FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League matches in June, the Vilnius Swedbank Marathon, and the World Team Disc Golf Championships.
Photo Credit: T.Bauras and V.Skaraitis
