Unicaja Begins 2026/27 ACB Season With Renovated Roster

A New Era at Martín Carpena

Basketball season is officially back in Málaga. As the 2026/27 Liga Endesa (ACB) tips off this Saturday, bringing traveling fans to a city where hotel rates surged 6.3% after a record summer, Unicaja steps onto the court not just as a local favorite, but as Andalusia’s sole representative in Spain’s top-flight basketball league.

Following a summer of significant restructuring, the green-and-purple squad hosted its official Media Day at the Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena, presenting a rejuvenated roster ready to challenge the nation’s basketball elite.

Vidorreta at the Helm and Seven New Additions

The most prominent change for the 2026/27 campaign comes on the bench. Experienced strategist Txus Vidorreta takes over as head coach, bringing a seasoned tactical approach to Málaga. Along with the new leadership, the squad features seven fresh signings integrated into the core lineup.

The team’s summer preparations suggest these rapid changes are already paying dividends. Unicaja wrapped up their preseason campaign with an impressive five wins and just a single defeat, building strong momentum ahead of the opening fixture. According to coverage by Canal Sur, the squad enters the regular season with high confidence and positive chemistry on the floor.

Ambition Meets Patience

During the Media Day presentations reported by El Español, both players and coaching staff struck a balance between bold aspirations and realistic expectations. The prevailing message to the Carpena faithful was clear: aim high, but grant this restructured team time to fully gel.

Key themes highlighted during the season launch included:

High Ambitions: Pushing for playoff spots and competing deeply in domestic and European competitions.
Team Synergy: Rapidly integrating seven new players into Vidorreta’s strategic system.
Home Court Advantage: Leveraging the vibrant atmosphere created by over 10,000 passionate supporters in Málaga.

Guide for Fans: How to Catch a Game at Carpena

For expats and visiting sports enthusiasts looking to experience top-tier European basketball, catching Unicaja at home is one of Málaga’s best weekend experiences.

Venue & Location

Arena: Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena
Capacity: ~10,600 spectators
Access: Easily reachable via Málaga Metro (Line 2, Palacio de los Deportes station) or city bus lines 15 and 31.

Getting Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online via the official Unicaja Basketball website or at the box office on match days, though high-profile games often sell out early. Family-friendly seating and active fan sections offer options for every type of spectator.

We look forward to seeing the electric atmosphere inside Carpena this autumn as a new chapter begins for Málaga basketball. Here’s hoping Vidorreta and his team give local fans plenty to celebrate throughout the 2026/27 campaign.