NBA G League United Wins FIBA Intercontinental Cup, First US Team Since 1974

BEIJING, China – NBA G League United claimed victory in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Lithuania's Rytas Vilnius 89-86. This win marks the first time a U.S. team has won the tournament since the Maryland Terrapins in 1974.

Having reached the final in 2024 and 2025 but losing to Unicaja in Singapore, NBA G League United made history as the first U.S. team to reach the final in 50 years. With this victory, the United States now has six championship-winning teams in the tournament's history, following the Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (1967-1969), the NABL All-Stars (1972), and the Maryland Terrapins (1974).

The event was attended by 8,342 fans, setting a new record for the most spectators in the modern era of the competition, surpassing last year's attendance of 8,205 in Singapore.

Throughout the tournament in China, NBA G League United defeated the Beijing Royal Fighters (China) and Boca Juniors (Argentina) in the group phase, followed by a victory over RSSB Tigers (Rwanda) in the semi-finals. In the final, the team built a 13-point lead with six minutes remaining, yet Rytas Vilnius staged a comeback to tie the game twice in the final moments. Eric Dixon played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial three-pointer and a left-handed hook shot, allowing Sean East II to seal the game with free throws.

Dixon not only contributed 18 points in the final but also earned the title of Most Valuable Player for the tournament, averaging 16.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game with an efficiency rating of 15.8. He received the award from FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026 Ambassador Luis Scola.

Earlier, Boca Juniors defeated RSSB Tigers 93-62 to take third place in the standings, while the Beijing Royal Fighters ended the event in fifth place, ensuring Zhejiang Golden Bulls' third place in 2023 remains the highest finish for a Chinese team in Intercontinental Cup history.

The final standings were as follows:

1. NBA G League United (USA)

2. Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania)

3. Boca Juniors (Argentina)

4. RSSB Tigers (Rwanda)

5. Beijing Royal Fighters (China)

6. Shanghai Sharks (China)

This edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup was the first hosted in Beijing, and the city will continue hosting the tournament until 2028. Real Madrid holds the record for the most championships in the tournament, with five titles.