RSU/VEF Rīga claims first National Basketball League title

Another historic achievement has been reached in sport at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU): the RSU/VEF Rīga basketball team has won the Ramirent National Basketball League title for the first time. Coached by Māris Gulbis, the team defeated Gulbenes Buki 95–60 in the third game, securing a convincing 3–0 victory in the 2025/2026 season finals.

The RSU/VEF Rīga team dominated league play throughout the season, suffering just one loss in 31 games. They also demonstrated their superiority in the finals, showing excellent physical fitness and the quality of a professional training programme at decisive moments.

In the decisive game on 3 May, RSU/VEF Rīga took control from the opening minutes, winning the first quarter 25–11 and gradually extending their lead as the game progressed. The outcome was already clear before the final quarter, and a convincing finish secured a well-deserved league title.

RSU/VEF Rīga guard Jēkabs Niedra was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the finals.

Until now, RSU’s highest achievement at this level had been silver medals in 2015 and 2018, as well as bronze in 2016.

Special thanks go to head coach Māris Gulbis and team mentor Jānis Blūms for their dedication, professionalism, and inspiration on the path to this success.

The historic finals victory was also witnessed in person by representatives of RSU management – RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis and Manager of the Sports Club Laura Ritova.

This year has been particularly successful for the RSU sports community as a whole: gold medals were also won in ice hockey and in the men’s and women’s volleyball championships, demonstrating the university’s strength and excellence across a range of sports.