Real Madrid carried out a major overhaul of its basketball department last summer. Sergio Rodríguez took charge of the sporting management, while Sergio Scariolo assumed the role of head coach. After the highly successful cycle under Chus Mateo, which delivered six titles in three seasons including a EuroLeague crown, the club launched a new project that is both ambitious and extremely costly, ranking among the most expensive in Europe.

According to data published by 2Playbook, Real Madrid will spend more than 49 million euros on player salaries, representing a 26% increase compared to last year. In addition to the already significant contracts of Walter Tavares, Mario Hezonja, Facundo Campazzo, and others, the club has incorporated several new signings. The roster now includes Trey Lyles, Chuma Okeke, Theo Maledon, David Kramer, Gabriele Procida, Izan Almansa, and most recently, Ukrainian center Alex Len. The search for an additional perimeter playmaker also remains active.

Taking all this into account, the club is preparing for the biggest financial losses in the history of its basketball section for the 2025-26 season. These losses are estimated at around 38 million euros, not including potential bonuses in case titles are won.

On a global scale, Real Madrid expects to increase its revenue by 5.4 percent compared to last season and continue moving closer to 1.5 billion euros in annual turnover. Even so, making the basketball division profitable continues to be almost impossible. All major European clubs lose money every year.

The main objective is to reduce the deficit, which is why the club is closely monitoring the new joint project that the NBA and FIBA intend to launch in 2027. Real Madrid, one of the architects behind today’s EuroLeague, wants to remain at the forefront of the upcoming transformation of European basketball, which is expected to significantly boost revenue for all involved.

Greek media have already reported that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are evaluating the possibility of leaving the EuroLeague and joining FIBA’s Basketball Champions League as a stepping stone toward the new NBA-backed competition. Until those plans materialize, Real Madrid will have to invest more than ever.

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