Badalona has been chosen to host the King’s Cup in basketball, with games staged at the Palau Olimpic from February 16 to 19, 2023, following an agreement between the city council and the ACB. This selection places Badalona at the center of Spanish basketball for a multi-day festival of top-tier competition and community pride.
The Copa del Rey returns to Badalona after a 38-year absence. The last time the event took place in the city was during the 1984-1985 season at the Pabellón de Ausias March. This year, it will be held for the first time in the Palau Olimpic, a venue with a stated capacity of 12,000 spectators, set to welcome a large and vibrant basketball crowd.
In an official statement, the ACB described Badalona as eone of the cradles of Spanish basketball, a city that fuels the sport with energy, breathes basketball, and has historically promoted many players and coaches who have helped shape the leagues history.
The 2023 Kings Cup is expected to feature Joventut Badalona as the host, alongside the top seven teams from the first round of the Endesa League regular season. The lineup promises a high level of competition and an exciting atmosphere for fans across the country.
After receiving the news, Badalona mayor Rubén Guijarro spoke of the moment as historic for the city. He described it as a historic day and noted that decades of demand have now become a reality. The mayor emphasized that hosting the Kings Cup is a testament to Badalonas enduring passion for basketball and its role in nurturing local talent.
Guijarro added that Badalona deserves the Kings Cup like few other cities and assured residents that the city would offer an exemplary hosting experience. He spoke of a shared energy that makes Badalonas basketball culture so special and highlighted the excitement that the event brings to the community.
This announcement positions Badalona as a pivotal hub for national basketball during the event window, with fans from across the region anticipated to travel to the city. The Palau Olimpic, with its modern facilities and passionate spectator base, is prepared to deliver an engaging tournament environment that aligns with the ambitions of both organizers and participants.
As the event draws near, organizers are focusing on logistics, security, and fan experience to ensure that attendees enjoy a safe and unforgettable week of elite basketball. The association between Badalonas historical identity and the vitality of todays competition is expected to attract media attention, sponsor interest, and a broad audience that spans families, students, and lifelong supporters of the sport.
In keeping with the citys reputation as a basketball stronghold, the 2023 Kings Cup will be presented as more than a tournament; it will be portrayed as a community celebration that showcases Badalonas spirit, its youth development traditions, and the enduring appeal of the sport in Catalonia and beyond. [citation]