Žalgiris Kaunas president Paulius Jankūnas has been named the recipient of the Gianluigi Porelli EuroLeague Executive of the Year award for the 2025/2026 season. The honor recognizes Jankūnas for his strategic management, which successfully combined on-court competitiveness with significant commercial growth and organizational stability.
Strategic Transformation at Žalgiris
The award highlights a clear turnaround for the Lithuanian club under Jankūnas’s leadership. After two consecutive seasons missing the EuroLeague playoffs, the team secured a postseason berth in the 2025/2026 campaign.
Jankūnas, who transitioned to his executive role in 2022 following a playing career, oversaw a comprehensive overhaul of the team’s roster and operations. His intimate knowledge of the club—having led the team in games played (376), points scored (3,110), and efficiency rating (3,915)—provided a unique foundation for his administrative approach.
Paulius Jankūnas is not just a leader in the boardroom; he is the leader for Žalgiris in rebounds (238) and blocked shots (101), cementing his legacy both as a player and an executive.
Commercial Success and Arena Utilization
Beyond the court, the club’s business metrics have reached new heights. The organization reported a substantial increase in ticket revenue, underscored by a streak of 40 consecutive sell-out home games at the Žalgiris Arena. This level of fan engagement is a primary criterion for the Gianluigi Porelli award, which evaluates excellence in marketing innovation and community connection.
Comparing this to past organizational performance, the club continues a tradition of excellence. This marks the fourth time a Žalgiris executive has received this honor, with Paulius Motiejūns having earned the title three times previously.
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The Gianluigi Porelli Award Legacy
Established in 2005, the award honors Gianluigi Porelli, the president of Virtus Bologna and a founding member of ULEB. The criteria remain rigorous, requiring winners to demonstrate excellence in business growth, fan relations, and organizational impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Paulius Jankūnas?
- He is the current president of Žalgiris Kaunas and a former professional basketball player who spent nearly his entire career with the club.
- What is the Gianluigi Porelli award?
- It is the EuroLeague Executive of the Year award, granted annually to the leader who best demonstrates excellence in club management and strategic growth.
- How many times has Žalgiris won this award?
- The club has received the honor four times: three times under Paulius Motiejūns and once under Paulius Jankūnas.
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