Spanish coaching wave in the EuroLeague — seven of 20 clubs to be led by Spaniards

As of 30 August 2026, Spanish coaches will occupy seven of the 20 head-coach positions in the upcoming EuroLeague season, making them the single largest national bloc on the competition sidelines.

Seven Spaniards, wide geographic spread

The list of Spaniards leading top European clubs includes Pedro Martinez, Xavi Pascual, Pablo Laso, Ibon Navarro, Joan Penarroya, Alex Mumbru and Xavi Albert. Their presence stretches from Spain and Turkey to Serbia, Italy and even a new project based in Dubai.

Pedro Martinez arrived at Real Madrid after a landmark campaign with Valencia in which he won the Spanish domestic title and steered the club to the EuroLeague Final Four; his move was one of the most notable coaching transfers of the summer, arriving alongside the return of Željko Obradović to Athens. Pablo Laso, the Vitoria-born coach who guided Real Madrid to EuroLeague crowns in 2015 and 2018, now leads Anadolu Efes in Turkey, while Xavi Pascual begins a new challenge with a Dubai-based side.

In the Balkans, Ibon Navarro takes charge of Crvena zvezda Belgrade and Joan Penarroya remains at Partizan, keeping Spanish coaching methods well represented in Serbia. In Italy, Alex Mumbru has been appointed by Virtus Bologna; Mumbru has also been appointed the head coach of the German national team. The seventh Spanish coach is Xavi Albert, who succeeds Pedro Martinez at Valencia after serving as his assistant last season.

More than a seasonal curiosity, the concentration of Spanish coaches reflects decades of development in Spain's coaching ranks. Clubs across Europe are increasingly valuing the tactical systems, youth development and coaching education that Spanish staff bring to elite rosters.

How this grouping will perform on the court—and whether figures like Laso can replicate their domestic successes abroad—will be one of the storylines of the new EuroLeague season to watch.

Photo: press material from the event