It is a well-run organization built on a core belief in equality within the club. A strict internal philosophy: no one is above or below anyone else. Everyone works for the collective. There are no stars, no main characters and supporting roles in the traditional sense. Everyone is expected to deliver. Whether it is Jean Montero, who has been turning heads across Europe, or Josep Puerto, a highly valuable role player, the message remains the same.
The crazy comeback year
Pedro Martínez laid the foundations last season for a team with long-term ambitions. But this year’s success has gone beyond expectations. Reaching the EuroLeague Final Four was merely the final reward. Everything that came before was the real statement. Consistently strong from the start, Valencia methodically climbed to second place in the regular season, maintaining the same focus in domestic competition as well.
The reverse sweep over Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague playoffs was the ultimate statement of intent, proving that Valencia are not here to participate but to compete. In the Athens semifinal against Real Madrid, they perhaps underestimated the challenge at hand, while the Madrid side were also exceptional. Valencia missed a major opportunity to reach the final and fight for the title, but even so, their journey alone commands respect.
Well organized, on and off the court
Everything stems from the club’s principles, both on and off the court. The sense of structure and professionalism is evident in how the organization operates. The author attended the Roig Arena three times with Panathinaikos’ delegation, and Valencia’s treatment of journalists stood out: everything was ready on time, full guidance inside the impressive arena, detailed statistics delivered to our phones after each quarter, and clear instructions before every game.
Naturally, special mention must be made of the arena itself. The Roig Arena is a landmark project for the city of Valencia, built with a €400 million investment from Mercadona president Juan Roig, combining sport, entertainment, and modern infrastructure.
Beyond Valencia’s games, the arena hosts concerts, major events, and corporate functions, attracting millions of visitors and significantly boosting the local economy. The project was also accompanied by wider urban redevelopment, turning the Quatre Carreres area into a new development hub for the city.
On a sporting level, the 15,600-seat capacity and distinctive design create a powerful atmosphere, making the Roig Arena one of the most demanding venues in the EuroLeague. The environment is full of singing, trumpets from the home fans, and even a surprisingly charming group of elderly supporters sitting behind the visiting bench.
It is no coincidence that when everything is perfectly structured and organized at a club level, the same identity is reflected on the court. And that is exactly what has happened. Valencia’s rise this season was not simply about having a talented roster, but about building a fully integrated system around the club, one that elevates both the players’ performance and the overall fan experience.