Basketball: the main stories of 16.09.2026

The main problem facing Russian basketball is now official, and the VTB United League has one small answer to it. Andrey Kirilenko, president of the Russian Basketball Federation, said on 16 September that the difficult economic situation is the biggest problem facing the game at home. The league has agreed a three-season deal with Yandex to stream matches on Kinopoisk, which gives it a guaranteed online platform while its clubs are still barred from European competition. CSKA president Andrey Vatutin said the Olympic Committee, the sports ministry and the federations are working to get Russian teams back into international play, but that the European Union keeps adding restrictions. Separately, one outlet quotes him as naming UNICS and Lokomotiv-Kuban as the title favourites on paper, even though CSKA retained the Super Cup on 15 September.

Adam Silver's comments after the NBA board of governors meeting covered more than one subject. According to one report, he said the NBA's European competition is planned for autumn 2027 and will start in a different form from its final one. Key EuroLeague owners are due to meet in early October. He is also quoted as saying Portland leaving would count as a failure for the league, and that he did not know Mark Walter planned to sell the Lakers until he heard it from the buyers. In Toronto, Kawhi Leonard's return has gone through. On 15 September he was reported to be close to a deal. He is now quoted as saying he is "not chasing a championship", while Gilbert Arenas said the Raptors had handed their future to the Clippers.

Knicks: one outlet reports non-guaranteed deals for Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks and Liam Robbins.
Real Madrid have announced the signing of 22-year-old guard Nick Smith, according to a single report.
Duop Reath is reported to have agreed a one-year minimum contract with Phoenix.
Charlotte are still interested in Domantas Sabonis but will not meet Sacramento's asking price, according to Jake Fisher.
Kevin O'Connor suggested Golden State could trade Draymond Green before the deadline. On 15 September Steve Kerr said Green had to adjust to a new role.
Dallas have named Dusty May's staff, which reportedly includes former New Orleans head coach Willie Green.
Raisa Musina of Dynamo Moscow is reported to be out for the 2026/27 season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Rustam Murzagaliev has retired and joined Astana's coaching staff, one outlet reports.
AEK have reportedly made first contact with 37-year-old Thomas Heurtel.
Elfrid Payton has a training camp contract with Sacramento and Anthony Gill takes Washington's 15th roster spot, according to reports.
Mike James said Anadolu Efes' plans and the role on offer drew him away from Monaco after five seasons.
Dynamo Vladivostok are looking for an import power forward, the club's sporting director said.
Jon Scheyer explained why he turned down a possible move to the NBA and is staying at Duke.