U-BT Cluj-Napoca win their seventh Romanian Cup Trophy

The AdmiralBet ABA League newcomers U-BT Cluj-Napoca are steadily collecting trophies on the domestic scene this season. After previously winning the Romanian Super Cup trophy, they have now claimed the Romanian National Cup trophy as well.

To do so, they have edged out Steaua Sharks of Bucharest in the Quarterfinals (100:77), Dinamo of Bucharest in the Semifinals (85:67) and in the Final, CSM Oradea (85:84) at the Final 8 Tournament in Oradea.

In the Final, the ABA side have been slightly ahead for the majority of the playing time and after a thrilling finish, managed to get away with a precious win, which earns them their seventh domestic cup trophy.

For U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Daron Russell led the way in scoring in the Final with 21 points on his record, while Dušan Miletić added 18 points.

Romanian National Cup Final, 18 February 2026:

CSM CSU Oradea – U-BT Cluj-Napoca 84:85 (25:21, 18:25, 25:23, 16:16)

U-BT is no longer just a dominant force within Romania; it has evolved into a respected continental contender, transforming the city of Cluj into the undisputed basketball capital of the region.

As the 2025-2026 season enters its most critical phase, U-BT stands as a masterclass in sports management, community engagement, and athletic excellence.

Domestic Hegemony: A Dynasty in Black and White

U-BT Cluj-Napoca has established a literal monopoly on domestic silverware. Under the steady hand of head coach Mihai Silvășan, a club legend himself, the team has mastered the art of winning.

• The “U” Spirit: Rooted in the multisport club founded in 1919, the basketball section carries the weight of a century-old tradition.

• Financial Stability: The partnership with a Romanian bank has provided the financial backbone necessary to attract high-caliber international talent and maintain a world-class infrastructure.

• Consistency: While other Romanian clubs often face boom-and-bust cycles, U-BT has maintained a steady trajectory, winning multiple consecutive league titles and national cups.

The EuroCup Campaign: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

The 2025-2026 season has seen U-BT further cement its reputation in the BKT EuroCup. No longer content with merely participating, the Cluj-based team has become a “giant killer,” regularly defeating storied clubs from Spain, Italy and Turkey.

• Strategic Recruitment: By blending experienced American and European veterans with the best local Romanian talent, the roster boasts a versatility that makes it a nightmare for opposing tacticians.

• Tactical Maturity: The team’s playstyle—characterized by high-intensity defense and selfless offensive ball movement—has drawn praise from across the continent.

BTarena: The Fort of 10,000

Perhaps the most significant asset of U-BT is its home ground. The BTarena, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall, has become a fortress.

• Attendance Records: U-BT consistently leads the EuroCup in average attendance, often selling out all 10,000 seats for high-stakes European nights.

• The Atmosphere: The “U” fans have created a culture that is rare in European basketball—family-friendly yet incredibly loud and intimidating for visitors. The synergy between the stands and the court is often credited as the “sixth man” that secures narrow home victories.

Youth Development: Investing in Tomorrow

Unlike many top-tier teams that focus solely on immediate results, U-BT has invested heavily in its youth academy. In 2026, the club’s youth system is the most productive in Romania.

Photo: U-BT Cluj

Massive comeback not enough as U-BT Cluj-Napoca lose in overtime