Real Madrid basketball parts with Sergio Scariolo after a single trophy-less season, first in 16 years

Departure announced

Real Madrid made the announcement on Thursday 2 July, thanking Scariolo for his commitment. The club's statement said the decision was reached "de mutuo acuerdo" (by mutual agreement), though some reports claimed the parting was unilateral and that the club would have to pay compensation for the remaining two years of his contract.

“Real Madrid, which will always be his home, thanks him for the commitment, dedication and professionalism he has shown at our club, and wishes him and his entire family the best in this new chapter of their lives.”

Scariolo's defense

Minutes after the club's announcement, Scariolo posted a farewell video on social media in which he defended his record, insisting he had fulfilled the primary objective set when he arrived: restoring Real Madrid's standing in European basketball.

“From my first day at the club I was told with the utmost clarity that the most important goal was to return Real Madrid to a place of prestige in Europe. Twelve months later, with humility and pride, I can say we have achieved it.”

He highlighted an excellent regular season, a strong playoff run, and an extraordinary Final Four performance, all while the team was "destroyed by injuries in a tremendously adverse atmosphere."

Injury-plagued season

The Italian coach pointed to a late-season injury crisis among the team's big men as the key factor that derailed a campaign that until then had been on track for multiple titles. Center Edy Tavares suffered a knee ligament injury in the Euroleague quarter‑finals, Alex Len developed plantar fasciitis during the domestic league, and Usman Garuba ruptured his Achilles in the Euroleague semifinals. Emergency signings Omer Yurtseven and Mady Sissoko could not fill the gap, and the team's paint presence collapsed in the decisive weeks.

Results and near misses

Scariolo's single season ended with a 58‑28 win‑loss record but no trophies. Madrid lost the Supercopa final to Valencia, the Copa del Rey final to Baskonia, and the Euroleague final to Olympiacos in Athens. After topping the ACB regular season with a commanding lead, they were eliminated in the quarter‑finals by La Laguna Tenerife. It was the first blank campaign for Real Madrid basketball since 2011 (16 years according to Spanish reports).

What's next?

Pedro Martínez, who led Valencia Basket to the 2025‑26 ACB championship, is widely reported to have an agreement to take over. Martínez, a Spaniard, will be tasked with restoring the trophy habit that Scariolo's tenure interrupted. Scariolo, meanwhile, leaves with a legacy of international success – eight medals with Spain's national team, including four EuroBasket golds and the 2019 World Cup – but could not translate that into silverware in his brief second stint at the club.