Real Madrid has appointed Pedro Martinez as head coach of its men’s basketball team on a three-year contract running through the end of the 2028-29 season, the club announced Monday. Martinez replaces Sergio Scariolo, who departed after one season in charge.
Martinez arrives after a standout 2025-26 campaign with Valencia Basket, where he led the club to a 25-13 EuroLeague record and a second-place finish in the regular season standings, finishing behind only Olympiacos, and reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in club history before losing to Real Madrid in the semifinals.
In Madrid’s official statement, the club confirmed the agreement and framed Martinez’s arrival as a long-term project hire. His appointment continues a coaching cycle change following Scariolo’s exit after a single season and roster turnover that included forward Trey Lyles departing for the Minnesota Timberwolves after averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in EuroLeague play.
Valencia’s playoff run included a 3-2 series win over Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, highlighted by two road wins in Athens and a decisive Game 5 victory.
Martinez, 65, also guided Valencia to a Spanish League title in 2026 and previously won the 2017 championship during his earlier tenure with the club. His coaching résumé spans more than three decades across Spain’s top divisions, including stints at Joventut, Baskonia, Gran Canaria, Estudiantes, and Manresa, along with multiple EuroCup and domestic accolades.
Real Madrid enters the transition after finishing 24-14 in EuroLeague regular season play, ranking third in the standings. The club advanced to the Final Four after a 3-1 series win over Hapoel Tel Aviv, then defeated Valencia 105-90 in the semifinal before falling to Olympiacos 92-85 in the championship game.
Madrid’s roster structure was centered on an experienced core that includes Mario Hezonja, who averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds on 42.6% shooting, and Facundo Campazzo, who posted 12.0 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 42.1% from three across 44 games. Walter Tavares remained the interior anchor, producing 9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game on 68.9% shooting.
