Ricky Rubio is reportedly returning to his first team, Badalona

Ricky Rubio is returning to Joventut Badalona, nearly ending his latest break from professional basketball. The news, reported by Xavi Ballesteros, is pending official team confirmation but is generating significant excitement for the 34-year-old point guard's reunion with his first club.

Rubio originally debuted for Joventut Badalona in the ACB at age 14 years and 11 months in 2005, achieving early success before departing in 2009. He moved to FC Barcelona and was selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, spending the next 12 years in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

This return follows a similar rumored agreement with Badalona last summer that Rubio ultimately denied. His comeback comes after a recent emotional interview and a period away from basketball. Rubio paused his career in 2023 to focus on mental health, leading to his NBA retirement after 712 appearances. A brief return to FC Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season was followed by another break extending through the 2024-25 season.

Upon his return for the 2025-26 campaign, Rubio will play in Spain's Liga Endesa and domestic competitions, and will also make his debut in the Basketball Champions League. Joventut Badalona will compete in Group C of the Regular Season against Hapoel Netanel Holon, Cholet, and a qualifier.