Sergio Scariolo returns to Real Madrid as head coach

Real Madrid announced on Wednesday the appointment of Sergio Scariolo as its new head basketball coach on a three-year contract. This move follows the club's recent decision to part ways with Chus Mateo.

Scariolo will officially begin his role after coaching the Spanish national team at EuroBasket 2025, which is being held in Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. His contract with Real Madrid runs through June 30, 2028.

Chus Mateo departs after a highly successful three-season tenure where he led Real Madrid to six titles: one EuroLeague championship, two Liga ACB titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Supercups. He was also named the 2023-24 EuroLeague Coach of the Year.

Despite this success, the club opted for a change following a 2023-24 EuroLeague regular season where the team finished seventh with a 20-14 record, requiring them to compete in the play-in round.

Sergio Scariolo returns to Real Madrid nearly 25 years after winning the ACB League title with the club in the 1999-2000 season. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in international basketball.

Scariolo is the most decorated head coach in Spanish national team history, having led them to eight major medals: five gold, one silver, and two bronze across the FIBA World Cup, EuroBasket, and Olympic competitions.

His extensive club coaching resume includes serving as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors during their 2018-19 NBA championship. In Europe, he has won two ACB championships, one Italian League title, two Copa del Rey trophies, a EuroCup, and multiple Supercups. His most recent club position was with Virtus Bologna, where he added another EuroCup and two Italian Supercup titles.