In summer 2025, Riga will become the ultimate basketball hotspot as it co-hosts FIBA EuroBasket 2025. The tournament, taking place from August 27 to September 14, will bring together Europe’s best teams, passionate fans, and an electric atmosphere. This is not just an amazing time for basketball lovers—it’s also a perfect opportunity to visit Riga, learn Russian, and soak in the vibrant sports culture!

Why EuroBasket 2025 in Riga is a Must-See Event

🏀 Latvia’s Passion for Basketball – Latvia has a deep basketball heritage, dating back to 1935, when it became the first-ever European champion by winning the inaugural EuroBasket. Basketball is not just a sport here—it’s a national pride.

🏀 Kristaps Porziņģis – Latvia’s NBA Superstar – The Boston Celtics star is one of the most famous Latvian athletes of all time. Known as “The Unicorn” for his unique skill set, Porziņģis has inspired a new generation of Latvian basketball players.

🏀 Latvia’s Historic World Cup Run – In their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance in 2023, Latvia finished 5th—defeating top teams like Spain and Italy. This cemented their status as a rising powerhouse in European basketball.

🏀 Latvia Was the First to Host EuroBasket – Back in 1937, Latvia hosted one of the very first EuroBasket tournaments. Nearly 88 years later, Riga will again welcome Europe’s top teams in a brand-new, modern setting.

🏀 Andris Biedriņš – Latvia’s First NBA Pioneer – Before Porziņģis, Andris Biedriņš paved the way for Latvians in the NBA. A defensive force for the Golden State Warriors, he inspired young Latvian talents to dream big.

Highly recommended:
To get inspired by Latvian basketball history, we recommend watching “Dream Team 1935”—a gripping sports drama about Latvia’s historic victory in the first-ever EuroBasket tournament in 1935. The film follows the underdog Latvian team as they overcome obstacles to become Europe’s first basketball champions. A must-watch for basketball and history lovers alike!

Why Riga is Perfect for Russian Language Learners During EuroBasket 2025

This thrilling period will be an amazing time to visit Riga—not only to experience world-class basketball but also to learn Russian in an immersive environment. As thousands of basketball fans from across Europe arrive in the city, Riga will be buzzing with energy, culture, and sports excitement.

• Intensive Russian language courses in a lively international setting
• Cultural immersion experiences, including historical excursions, guided tours, and museum visits
• The chance to interact with Russian-speaking locals while enjoying the tournament’s festive atmosphere

Whether you’re a basketball fanatic or a language learner, EuroBasket 2025 in Riga offers the best of both worlds—an unforgettable mix of sports, culture, and education. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience basketball history in the making while boosting your Russian language skills!

👉 Plan your trip to learn Russian in Riga and be part of the EuroBasket excitement!