Nikola Mirotic has reached an agreement to join Valencia Basket for the 2026–27 season, returning to the Liga Endesa after leaving AS Monaco, according to reports from multiple Spanish outlets. Standing 2.08 meters tall and aged 35, the veteran power forward brings extensive EuroLeague and international experience to the taronja club as they shape their roster for domestic and continental competition.
A High-Profile Return to the Liga Endesa
The signing was publicly confirmed through a joint social media video recorded at Manises Airport, where Mirotic addressed Valencia supporters directly. In the clip, he quipped, “Hola Valencia, me han dicho que estáis buscando un cuatro así que… aquí estoy,” confirming his arrival with a lighthearted nod to his positional role.
Born in Podgorica on February 11, 1991, Mirotic holds dual nationality after acquiring Spanish citizenship in 2010. Because he spent his formative years in Real Madrid’s youth academy starting at age 14, he carries local formation player status. That designation proves vital for Valencia Basket, granting them an extra homegrown quota spot for ACB competitions without sacrificing elite talent.
Extensive EuroLeague Resume and Trophy Collection
Mirotic’s arrival marks another chapter in a storied European career that now spans 13 seasons in the EuroLeague. Across 307 appearances in Europe’s premier competition, he boasts six Final Four participations and career averages of 14.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, yielding a 17.1 performance index rating alongside a 39.9% shooting clip from beyond the arc.
During the 2025–26 campaign with AS Monaco, Mirotic helped push the club to the EuroLeague playoffs while averaging 11 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest. His tenure in France also yielded a domestic quadruple, capturing the French League title, French Cup, Leaders Cup, and Supercup in a single dominant stretch.
Before his time in Monaco and an intervening stint with Olimpia Milano, Mirotic spent four seasons with FC Barcelona following a high-profile four-year NBA career with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks. He was originally selected 23rd overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets before eventually crossing the Atlantic in 2014.
International Success and Squad Impact
Beyond his club accolades—which include three Liga Endesa titles and 15 total team trophies—Mirotic has delivered on the international stage with the senior Spanish national team. He claimed a gold medal at EuroBasket 2015 and secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Valencia Basket management expects the 35-year-old forward to instantly elevate both offensive output and locker-room leadership as the team targets deep runs in the ACB and European competitions this season. With Monaco’s elite sporting project recently restructuring, Valencia moved quickly to secure one of the continent’s most decorated frontcourt assets.
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