Unicaja Baloncesto Shakes Up Roster for 2026 Pre-Season

If you have recently moved to Málaga or are planning a visit, you might spend your days exploring the best free museums in Málaga for a budget summer stop, but you will quickly realize that this city’s sporting passion is not limited to the football pitch. Málaga is a basketball city through and through. Unicaja Baloncesto, the pride of the province, commands an incredibly loyal following, filling the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena with a sea of green and purple week after week.

As we head into the high summer of 2026, the club is already laying the groundwork for another thrilling campaign. Major roster movements, a newly defined pre-season schedule, and strategic changes in the club’s youth leadership mean there is plenty for fans—both old and new—to talk about.

Roster Movements and Player Releases

To build a competitive squad for the tough battles ahead, the front office has had to make some difficult decisions. Unicaja has officially begun shaping its squad for the 2026/2027 campaign by opting not to retain several players, a process that began earlier in the transfer window when Sulejmanovic departed Unicaja.

According to a report by Diario Sur, the club has decided to release Jeff Rubit, Travis Audige, and Justin Cobbs. Unicaja chose not to include these players in the derecho de tanteo (the Spanish league’s right of first refusal), effectively making them free agents. These departures signal a clear intention from management to inject fresh energy and seek different profiles to bolster the first team’s rotation, particularly at a time when former fan favorites like Dylan Osetkowski are returning to the Liga Endesa with rival teams.

The 2026 Pre-Season Calendar is Set

For fans eager to see the team back on the hardwood, the wait is almost over. The collective pre-season is scheduled to kick off on August 20, 2026, at the Martín Carpena arena, giving the players a chance to shake off the summer rust.

As detailed by Cadena SER, the coaching staff has mapped out a rigorous preparation phase that includes six friendly matches. These warm-up games will be crucial for integrating new signings, testing tactical variations, and building up the physical conditioning required for both domestic Liga Endesa and European competitions. The pre-season matches offer a fantastic, relaxed opportunity for international residents and families to experience the electric atmosphere of Spanish basketball before the official season starts.

A New Direction for the Youth Academy

Unicaja’s success has always been deeply rooted in its youth academy, historically one of the most respected development systems in Spain. This summer brings a highly anticipated shift in how the club nurtures its future stars.

Paco Aurioles, a familiar and respected figure within the club, is stepping down from his role as assistant coach of the first team to take full charge of the youth academy (cantera). As reported by La Opinión de Málaga, this transition is part of a broader strategic overhaul designed to adapt to the modern basketball landscape, including navigating the growing influence of the NCAA on young European talents. Aurioles’ deep knowledge of the club’s philosophy makes him the ideal leader to guide the next generation of local prospects.

How to Get Involved as a Newcomer

For expats and newcomers, attending a Unicaja game at the Martín Carpena is one of the most welcoming cultural experiences Málaga has to offer. Unlike the sometimes intense rivalries of football, basketball in Málaga is a festive, family-friendly event. The arena is easily accessible via the Málaga Metro (get off at the Palacio de los Deportes station), making it a stress-free evening out.

With training resuming on August 20, 2026, the buzz around the city is only going to grow. Keep an eye out for ticket sales for the pre-season friendlies—it is the perfect, low-pressure way to introduce yourself to the local sporting community and find your new favorite team.

There is a unique magic in watching a city unite behind its team, and in Málaga, that magic is painted green and purple. As Unicaja enters this transition phase, we look forward to the cool autumn evenings filled with the squeak of sneakers, the roar of the Carpena crowd, and the shared hope of another unforgettable season. Whether you are a lifelong basketball fanatic or a curious newcomer, there has never been a better time to join the Unicaja family.