Reus and Salou, Spain, are preparing to host the Campeonato de España de Minibasket de Selecciones Autonómicas – known as Planeta Mini 2026 – a national championship for youth basketball players under the age of 12. The tournament, scheduled from March 28th to April 1st, is expected to draw over 3,000 visitors and showcase the future stars of Spanish basketball.
The presentation of the event was led by Reus Mayor Sandra Guaita, alongside Alba Viana, Director of the Salou Municipal Tourism Board, Ferran Aril, President of the Catalan Basketball Federation and Vice President of the Spanish Federation, and Estefanía Serrano, the territorial representative of Sport in Tarragona. Basketball legend and FEB ambassador, Fernando Romay, was also slated to attend, though the Diputación de Tarragona was represented in his absence.
This marks the return of Planeta Mini to the province of Tarragona after previously hosting the event in 2023. The tournament has a long history, dating back to the 1987/88 season, and has become a cornerstone of youth basketball development in Spain. More than 400 young players, nearly 100 coaches, and 38 referees will participate in the competition.
A Multi-Venue Tournament Showcasing Rising Talent
A total of 110 games will be played across five venues in Reus and Salou. The action will culminate with the men’s and women’s championship finals at the Pabellón Olímpico de Reus on Wednesday, April 1st. Other venues include the Pabellón Municipal de Salou – which will host the semi-final matches on Tuesday, March 31st – the Pabellón Deportivo Salou Poniente, the Polilleuger Joan Rebull Márquez, and the Polilleuger Cèlia Artiga.
The tournament format pits regional selections against each other, providing a competitive platform for young athletes to hone their skills and represent their communities. For those unfamiliar with the structure, these “Selecciones Autonómicas” are essentially all-star teams chosen from each of Spain’s autonomous communities, creating a national showcase of talent.
Defending Champions and Regional Pride on the Line
Andalucía will enter the women’s competition as the defending champions, having secured the title in San Fernando last year. Cataluña, the host region, will aim to defend its crown in the men’s bracket, where they have reached the top of the podium in four of the last five editions. The competition promises intense regional rivalries and a high level of play.
The event isn’t just about basketball; it’s also a significant boost for the local economies of Reus and Salou. The anticipated influx of over 3,000 visitors will provide a welcome economic stimulus for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Mayor Guaita emphasized the importance of the tournament in promoting the region and fostering a love of sport among young people.
The Planeta Mini 2026 represents a significant investment in the future of Spanish basketball. By providing a platform for young players to compete at a national level, the tournament aims to identify and nurture the next generation of talent. It’s a testament to the commitment of the Spanish Basketball Federation and the local authorities in Reus and Salou to developing the sport from the grassroots level.
Following the conclusion of Planeta Mini 2026, attention will turn to the ongoing regional leagues and preparations for future national competitions. Fans can follow updates and results from the tournament through the official channels of the Spanish Basketball Federation (www.feb.es) and the Catalan Basketball Federation.
