By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Unicaja is set to finalize a contract extension with head coach Ibon Navarro, reinforcing their commitment to the Basque tactician despite a recent dip in team performance.
Confirming recent rumors, Malaga outlet Diario SUR reported on Friday evening that the 50-year-old play-caller will soon pen a new deal. While the team’s form over the last month has lacked its usual spark, culminating in a disappointing loss to AEK in the Semifinals of the Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, the club’s leadership remains steadfast in its belief that Navarro is the right person to lead the project forward. This stability serves as a vital message of confidence following the team’s exit from continental contention on Thursday.
The path to this agreement has not been without its complications. Negotiations, which have been ongoing since the Copa del Rey, initially centered on a three-year proposal before being adjusted to a two-season extension. Relations faced a brief period of tension after Navarro publicly acknowledged that his agents were in contact with other European clubs. His existing contract runs through the 2026-27 season.
El Unicaja anunciará en breve el acuerdo para la ampliación de contrato de Ibon Navarro.
Pese a que la temporada no ha ido como esperaba, la confianza en el vasco es total cara al futuro.
Por @jcv249 desde Badalona https://t.co/uIuszTKgas
— SUR Deporte (@SURDeporte) May 9, 2026
Ultimately, the mutual desire to continue together has outweighed recent friction. The new deal includes a substantial salary increase, reflecting his status as an elite coach who delivered several titles to Malaga, including back-to-back BCL championships in 2024 and 2025.
Sports director Juanma Rodríguez had already mentioned that the news is imminent, noting that the goal is to secure several more years of the successful era under Navarro.