Real Madrid enters the new Liga Endesa campaign under a massive wave of transformation, boasting a staggering budget exceeding 45 million euros and nearly 20 million net in player salaries. Following a title-less season that spelled the end for Sergio Scariolo, club president Florentino Pérez turned back to trusted executives Juan Carlos Sánchez and Alberto Herreros while committing millions to rebuild the roster and install head coach Pedro Martínez ahead of a daunting opening test against Unicaja.
A Monumental Overhaul in the Spanish Capital
The restructuring at Real Madrid went far beyond the coaching staff after a campaign that saw the club fall short of expectations. The season ended without major silverware, highlighted by a Supercopa final loss to Valencia, an injury-plagued EuroLeague final defeat to Olympiacos where the team lacked healthy centers like Walter Tavares and Usman Garuba, and a subsequent early playoff exit in the Liga Endesa at the hands of Tenerife.
That slide prompted a swift reaction from club leadership. Sergio Scariolo was dismissed with two years remaining on his contract, receiving a five-million-euro settlement. To secure Pedro Martínez as his successor, Real Madrid paid 1,2 million euros to release him from his contract with Valencia. Martínez brings the fast-paced, high-octane style that previously carried Valencia to an ACB league title.
Heavy Investment in the Roster
The financial commitment extended directly onto the court. Real Madrid invested 1.5 million euros to acquire Jaime Pradilla and nearly another million to land French standout Luwawu-Cabarrot, who led Baskonia in scoring during the previous season. The club also managed the departure of Croatian star Mario Hezonja, collecting 800,000 euros for his transfer before aggressively reshaping the squad.
The frontcourt additions feature French center Olivier Sarr, American big man Damian Jones, and the versatile Jantunen. From the NBA came young Ukrainian prospect Max Shulga, who spent time with the Boston Celtics and occupies a crucial local quota spot. These newcomers join an established veteran core featuring Facundo Campazzo, Sergio Llull, Chuma Okeke, Gabriele Procida, Deck, Alberto Abalde, and Theo Maledon. The club’s final addition, American scorer Nick Smith Jr., has yet to make his official debut.
Behind the scenes, the coaching staff overhaul brought back Paco Redondo as an assistant while Martínez recruited Salva Camps, with whom he previously collaborated at Manresa. In total, Real Madrid currently lists 17 players on its roster, excluding Garuba, who continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture.
Preseason Warning Signs and Unicaja’s Response
The early returns on the new-look Madrid side arrived swiftly in the EuroLeague Supercup, where they defeated Dubai before topping reigning champion Olympiacos in the final to hand Pedro Martínez his first title at the helm. That immense potential was underlined during a recent preseason clash in the Costa del Sol tournament, where Real Madrid handed Unicaja a commanding 74-113 defeat.
Head coach Ibon Vidorreta demanded greater continuity and defensive solidarity after the Costa del Sol setback, and his side delivered through grit and increased paint production from Dylan Kravish—who turned in his most consistent outing since returning from a fibula injury—alongside key contributions from Amine Noua and Melvin Ejim.
Match Details and What Lies Ahead
Unicaja faces the toughest possible start to their domestic campaign this Sunday at 19:00 local venue time (UTC+2), broadcast via DAZN, Orange, and Movistar.
Following this opening Liga Endesa clash, Unicaja will continue its early-season schedule as preparations conclude for the grueling months ahead in domestic and European competition. Share your thoughts on the opening weekend matchups in the comments below.
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