By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ibon Navarro has officially parted ways with Unicaja after a historic four-and-a-half-season tenure, clearing the way for his expected takeover at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet.
His departure was formally confirmed by the Malaga outfit on Tuesday, setting up his transition to Belgrade for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign in the EuroLeague, AdmiralBet ABA League, and Serbian competitions.
The 50-year-old tactician used an exit clause in his contract, which was set to expire after the end of the 2026-27 season.
🏀 Ibon Navarro, entrenador para la historia del Unicaja
❤ ¡GRACIAS, IBON!
📰 NOTICIA https://t.co/K5hzcElKGG
💚💜 #YoSoyDelUnicaja #GraciasIbon pic.twitter.com/0nFKRzFDo5
— UnicajaCB (@unicajaCB) June 9, 2026
Taking over Unicaja in February 2022, Navarro orchestrated a massive roster overhaul that built one of the greatest eras in team history. Under his leadership, the Andalusian club captured seven major titles, including back-to-back Basketball Champions League crowns in 2024 and 2025. Beyond the trophy case, his efforts consistently guided the team to extended runs across domestic and continental competitions.
A huge tactical achievement came during the 2023-24 season, where Unicaja ranked first in Spain’s Liga Endesa Regular Season while leading the league in both offense and defense. Although a disappointing ninth-place finish in his final season kept the team out of the ACB Playoffs 2026, it does not diminish his standing as Unicaja’s most dominant modern figure.
Navarro leaves as the club’s winningest coach, securing 180 victories in 261 games to finish with an unprecedented 68.97% winning percentage.
Meanwhile, coaching icon Pablo Laso is expected to succeed his fellow Vitoria-Gasteiz native, stepping in to spearhead Unicaja’s next chapter, starting from the next installments of the BCL and the ACB.
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