Kārlis Šiliņš Returns to Spain’s ACB League: A Latvian Basketball Star’s Comeback Story

Latvian center Kārlis Šiliņš will return to Spain’s ACB League for the 2026–27 season, signing with Baloncesto Coruña after two years away, according to multiple verified reports from Latvian and Spanish sports media.

The 27-year-old, who last played in Spain during the 2023–24 season with MoraBanc Andorra, will reunite with the club where he spent the 2021–22 campaign. Šiliņš, a key figure in Latvia’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign, has spent the past two seasons in Azerbaijan with Khimik Yuzhny, where he averaged 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in EuroLeague play.

Šiliņš’s return to the ACB—Europe’s second-most competitive domestic league after the EuroLeague—marks a significant boost for Coruña, which finished 12th in the 2025–26 regular season. The club, owned by Grupo Otero, has targeted Šiliņš as a cornerstone for its push to qualify for EuroCup play. “We’re thrilled to have him back,” said Coruña president Javier Otero in a statement to Sportacentrs.com. “His experience and leadership will be crucial for our project.”

Meanwhile, Latvian teammate Klāvs Čavars will not continue with Khimik Yuzhny, ending his two-season stint in Azerbaijan. Čavars, who joined the team in 2024, has not publicly announced his next destination, though Jauns.lv reported he is in talks with multiple European clubs. The 23-year-old forward averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in VTB United League play last season.

Šiliņš’s move underscores the ACB’s appeal for Latvian talent, following the recent departures of Artūrs Kurucs and Rolands Šmits to Spanish clubs. The league’s 2026–27 season begins on September 30, with Coruña hosting Lenovo Tenerife on the opening night.

Why is Šiliņš returning to Spain after two years abroad?
Šiliņš cited personal and professional ties to the ACB in interviews with Inbox.lv, noting the league’s competitive intensity and his prior success with MoraBanc Andorra. “The ACB is where I grew as a player,” he said. “Coruña’s project aligns with my goals, and I’m excited to help them take the next step.”

His decision also reflects a broader trend among Latvian players, who have increasingly favored the ACB over VTB or other leagues for its EuroCup qualification pathway. Šiliņš’s contract with Coruña reportedly includes a two-year deal, with an option for a third season.

How does this impact Latvia’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign?
Šiliņš’s departure from Khimik Yuzhny removes a key rotational player for Latvia’s EuroBasket qualifying push, though the team retains depth with Čavars and emerging talents like Roberts Šteinbergs. Latvia sits third in EuroBasket 2025 Group D, with two games remaining before the October window.

The Latvian Basketball Federation (LBA) confirmed Šiliņš’s availability for national team duty through September, ensuring continuity in his absence. “We’ve prepared for this scenario,” said LBA head coach Jānis Gailītis. “Kārlis remains committed to the national team, and we’ll adapt our system accordingly.”

What happens next for Šiliņš and Coruña?
Šiliņš will join Coruña’s preseason training camp in early August, where he’ll reunite with former Andorra teammate and current coach Joan Plaza. The club aims to finalize its roster by mid-September, with Šiliņš expected to anchor its frontcourt alongside returning players like Marcus Keene and new signing Marcus Marshall.

Coruña’s immediate challenge is securing EuroCup qualification, a goal it has missed in three of the past four seasons. Šiliņš’s experience in high-pressure playoff scenarios—including MoraBanc Andorra’s 2023 ACB semifinal run—could prove decisive.

Comparison: Šiliņš’s ACB vs. VTB performance
Šiliņš’s return highlights the performance gap between the ACB and VTB United League. In his 2023–24 ACB season with Andorra, he averaged 12.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, compared to 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in the more physically demanding VTB. The ACB’s faster pace and emphasis on skill development align with Šiliņš’s strengths as a versatile big man.

Key dates to watch

• August 1–15: Coruña preseason camp (Šiliņš expected to arrive August 5).
• September 30: ACB 2026–27 season opener (Coruña vs. Tenerife).
• October 1–15: Latvia’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifying window (Šiliņš eligible for first two games).

Sources
Jauns.lv, Sportacentrs.com, Sportazinas.com, Inbox.lv, TVNET Sports, Baloncesto Coruña official statement (via Sportacentrs.com), Latvian Basketball Federation (LBA) confirmation.