French basketball tradition returns to Riga.

On November 4, Rīgas Zeļļi will host one of the most historic clubs in French basketball – Le Mans Sarthe Basket – at Xiaomi Arena.

Le Mans will return to Riga after almost 14 years. The French club last visited the Latvian capital in 2012, also for a EuroCup game. Now, almost a decade and a half later, Le Mans returns to Riga to compete once again on the European stage.

Le Mans has more than six decades of basketball history. The club is a five-time French champion and has also enjoyed success in domestic cup competitions, while spending three consecutive seasons in the EuroLeague.

But the Le Mans story is about more than trophies. The club has also developed a number of French national team and NBA players. One of the most prominent examples is Nicolas Batum, who joined the Le Mans system at the age of 13 before going on to spend 18 seasons in the NBA. In September this year, Batum officially brought his remarkable professional career to a close.

Meanwhile, Rīgas Zeļļi are only beginning their European journey. Three years after the club was founded, Riga’s strongest basketball club is making its EuroCup debut, welcoming a team with a rich history and an important place in French basketball.

Le Mans vs Riga. French basketball tradition meets new Latvian ambition.

November 4, 19:00, Xiaomi Arena.