2026 LKL Playoffs

2026 LKL playoffs
Tournament details
CountryLithuania Lithuania
Dates20–23 May 2026 (Quarterfinals)
26 May – 3 June 2026 (Semifinals)
6–13 June 2026
(Third place)
7–12 June 2026
(Finals)
Season2025–26
Teams8
Defending championsŽalgiris
Final positions
ChampionsŽalgiris (26th title)
Runners-upJuventus
Third placeNeptūnas
Fourth placeLietkabelis

The 2026 LKL Playoffs known as the 2026 Betsson-LKL Playoffs for sponsorship purposes was the 31st edition of the LKL playoffs. The top eight finishers in the regular season competed for the championship. Playoffs began on 20 May 2026. Žalgiris was the defending champion and successfully defended title after winning final series 3–0 against Juventus. Žalgiris won the 26th LKL championship title.

The quarterfinals will be played in a best-of-three format with the higher seeded team playing the first and third (if necessary) game at home. Semifinals, third place game and final will be played in a best-of-five format, with the higher seed team playing games 1, 3 and 5 (if necessary) at home.

Notable events

  • On 12 May 2026, the first LKL playoffs pair has been set. Rytas and Juventus will face each other in the quarterfinals.[1]
  • On 13 May 2026, the second LKL playoffs pair has been set. Žalgiris will face Jonava Hipocredit in the quarterfinals stage.[2]
  • On 14 May 2026, the schedule of the 2026 Betsson–LKL quarterfinals stage has been revealed.[3]
  • On 17 May 2026, all quarterfinal matchups were revealed.[4]
  • On 22 May 2026, Žalgiris and Lietkabelis are the first semifinalists.[5] Žalgiris defeated Jonava Hipocredit 2–0 in the best-of-three quarterfinals series, meaning Žalgiris remains the only team in the league’s history to have never missed the semifinals.[6] Meanwhile, Lietkabelis defeated Šiauliai 2–0 in the quarterfinal series and advanced to the semifinals for the ninth consecutive time. The last time Lietkabelis failed to reach the LKL top four was in the 2015–16 LKL season.[7]
  • On 23 May 2026, Juventus and Neptūnas are the last 2026 LKL playoffs semifinalists. Juventus sensationally defeated Rytas 2–0 in the quarterfinals, meaning that Rytas will miss the LKL semifinals and medals for the first time since 1997. It is also the first time in league history that the seventh-seeded team has defeated the second-seeded team in the quarterfinals. Juventus had not reached the LKL semifinals since the 2020–21 LKL season, when they finished in fourth place.[8] Meanwhile, Neptūnas defeated Gargždai 2–0 in the quarterfinals and are returning to the LKL semifinals after a lengthy absence. Neptūnas last reached the semifinals in the 2018–19 LKL season, when they won the bronze medals.[9]
  • On 31 May 2026, Žalgiris became the first finalist. In the semifinal series, Žalgiris defeated Lietkabelis 3–0. This will be 32nd finals appearance for Žalgiris from 33 possible. Lietkabelis will compete for third place and will try to win its fourth consecutive bronze medal.[10]
  • On 3 June 2026, Juventus defeated Neptūnas 3–1 in the semifinal series to reach the LKL finals for the first time in club history, where they will face Žalgiris. Meanwhile, Neptūnas will take on Lietkabelis in the third-place series.[11] The series for third place will begin on 6 June 2026, while the finals series is set to start on 7 June 2026.[12]
  • On 12 June 2026, Žalgiris defeated Juventus 3–0 in the finals series to claim its 26th LKL championship title. Žalgiris finished the season with only one loss, something it had last achieved in the 2011–12 LKL season.[13]
  • On 13 June 2026, Neptūnas defeated Lietkabelis 3–1 to claim the bronze medals for the first time since the 2018–19 LKL season.[14]

Qualified teams

Pos Team Pld W L PF PA PD Qualification
1 Žalgiris 32 31 1 2920 2457 +463 Higher seed in playoffs
2 Rytas 32 20 12 2970 2730 +240
3 Neptūnas 32 17 15 2969 2889 +80
4 Šiauliai 32 17 15 2729 2802 −73
5 Lietkabelis 32 15 17 2668 2586 +82 Lower seed in playoffs
6 Gargždai 32 15 17 2680 2797 −117
7 Juventus 32 12 20 2797 2896 −99
8 Jonava Hipocredit 32 9 23 2730 2999 −269
Source: LKL.lt

Playoffs schedule

Schedule for 2026 LKL playoffs
Phase Dates Other dates
Quarterfinals 20–23 May 2026[3] 20–25 May 2026[3][Note 1]
Semifinals 26 May – 1 June 2026[15] 26 May – 5 June 2026[15][Note 2]
Third place 6–11 June 2026[12] 6–15 June 2026[12][Note 3]
Finals 7–12 June 2026[12] 7–16 June 2026[12][Note 4]

Bracket

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Žalgiris 2
8 Jonava Hipocredit 0
1 Žalgiris 3
5 Lietkabelis 0
4 Šiauliai 0
5 Lietkabelis 2
1 Žalgiris 3
7 Juventus 0
2 Rytas 0
7 Juventus 2
7 Juventus 3 Third place
3 Neptūnas 1
3 Neptūnas 2 5 Lietkabelis 1
6 Gargždai 0 3 Neptūnas 3

Quarterfinals

Team 1 Series Team 2 Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
Žalgiris 2–0 Jonava Hipocredit 102–82 90–75 –
Šiauliai 0–2 Lietkabelis 84–85 77–93 –
Rytas 0–2 Juventus 84–92 95–101 –
Neptūnas 2–0 Gargždai 100–73 84–74 –

Žalgiris vs. Jonava Hipocredit

20 May 2026
Game 1
Žalgiris 102–82
(Series: 1–0)
Jonava Hipocredit Kaunas
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 22–17, 31–18, 24–17, 25–30
Pts: Wright 18
Rebs: Sirvydis 7
Asts: Williams-Goss 8
PIR: Wright 25
Boxscore Pts: Carter III 15
Rebs: Rutherford 10
Asts: Ashton-Langford 7
PIR: Rutherford 17
Arena: Žalgiris Arena
Attendance: 2,111
Referees: Gvidas Gedvilas, Gabrielius Simonavičius, Ignas Jablonskas
22 May 2026
Game 2
Jonava Hipocredit 75–90
(Series: 0–2)
Žalgiris Jonava
18:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 14–32, 18–25, 26–15, 17–18
Pts: Ashton-Langford 28
Rebs: Rutherford 10
Asts: Ashton-Langford 9
PIR: Ashton-Langford 32
Boxscore Pts: Sirvydis 16
Rebs: Butkevičius 8
Asts: Butkevičius 5
PIR: Sirvydis 19
Arena: Jonava Arena
Attendance: 1,466
Referees: Juozas Barkauskas, Aurimas Borusas, Darius Šomka

Šiauliai vs. Lietkabelis

20 May 2026
Game 1
Šiauliai 84–85
(Series: 0–1)
Lietkabelis Šiauliai
18:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 20–22, 23–23, 19–26, 22–14
Pts: Henderson Jr. 19
Rebs: Pleikys 7
Asts: Kariniauskas 4
PIR: Henderson Jr. 20
Boxscore Pts: Morris 24
Rebs: Maldūnas 7
Asts: Kullamäe 3
PIR: Morris 21
Arena: Šiauliai Arena
Attendance: 2,594
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Saulius Račys, Andžej Urbanovič
22 May 2026
Game 2
Lietkabelis 93–77
(Series: 2–0)
Šiauliai Panevėžys
18:15 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 23–21, 20–22, 28–15, 22–19
Pts: Radičević 22
Rebs: Washington 8
Asts: Radičević 4
PIR: Radičević 26
Boxscore Pts: Henderson Jr. 16
Rebs: Simanić 9
Asts: Kariniauskas 4
PIR: Simanić 18
Arena: Kalnapilio Arena
Attendance: 2,148
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Jurgis Laurinavičius, Vidmantas Rušinas

Rytas vs. Juventus

21 May 2026
Game 1
Juventus 92–84
(Series: 1–0)
Rytas Utena[Note 5]
18:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 29–27, 26–22, 16–16, 21–19
Pts: Lewis
Rebs: Lewis, Uleckas 8
Asts: Valinskas 5
PIR: Lewis 25
Boxscore Pts: Gudaitis 16
Rebs: Gudaitis 8
Asts: Marčiulionis 5
PIR: Masiulis 22
Arena: Utena Arena
Attendance: 1,693
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Gintaras Mačiulis, Vidmantas Rušinas
23 May 2026
Game 2
Rytas 95–101
(Series: 0–2)
Juventus Vilnius
16:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 32–30, 24–20, 27–30, 12–21
Pts: Smith 20
Rebs: Gudaitis 9
Asts: Sargiūnas, Marčiulionis 5
PIR: Smith 18
Boxscore Pts: Diarra 30
Rebs: Šaulys, Valinskas 6
Asts: three players 4
PIR: Lewis 34
Arena: Active Vilnius Arena
Attendance: 2,058
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Gvidas Gedvilas, Andžej Urbanovič

Neptūnas vs. Gargždai

21 May 2026
Game 1
Neptūnas 100–73
(Series: 1–0)
Gargždai Klaipėda
18:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 32–18, 22–14, 24–16
Pts: Lomažs, Tarolis 17
Rebs: Tarolis 7
Asts: Velička 7
PIR: Tarolis 29
Boxscore Pts: Pipkins 20
Rebs: Chargois 6
Asts: Pipkins 5
PIR: Pipkins 27
Arena: Švyturys Arena
Attendance: 2,423
Referees: Saulius Račys, Juozas Barkauskas, Aurimas Borusas
23 May 2026
Game 2
Gargždai 74–84
(Series: 0–2)
Neptūnas Gargždai
19:10 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 22−19, 18−24, 10−19, 24−22
Pts: Pipkins 18
Rebs: Gailius, Petrilevičius 6
Asts: Gailius 5
PIR: Petrilevičius 19
Boxscore Pts: Lomažs 22
Rebs: Mačijauskas 10
Asts: Velička 4
PIR: Lomažs 23
Arena: Gargždų Arena
Referees: Gintaras Maciulis, Juozas Barkauskas, Gabrielius Simonavičius

Semifinals

Team 1 Series Team 2 Game 1 Game 2 Game 3Game 4Game 5
Žalgiris 3–0 Lietkabelis 85–75 95–75 103–93––
Juventus 3–1 Neptūnas 96–83 86–83 84–102103–90–

Žalgiris vs. Lietkabelis

26 May 2026
Game 1
Žalgiris 85–75
(Series: 1–0)
Lietkabelis Kaunas
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 21–20, 21–20, 21–18, 22–17
Pts: Francisco 20
Rebs: Tubelis 10
Asts: Francisco 6
PIR: Francisco 22
Boxscore Pts: Morris 15
Rebs: Danusevičius 12
Asts: Five players 2
PIR: Danusevičius 24
Arena: Žalgiris Arena
Attendance: 2,984
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Gvidas Gedvilas, Gintaras Mačiulis
28 May 2026
Game 2
Lietkabelis 75–95
(Series: 0–2)
Žalgiris Panevėžys
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 19−20, 17–22, 20–32, 19−21
Pts: Morris 15
Rebs: Danusevičius 7
Asts: Radičević 3
PIR: Morris 17
Boxscore Pts: Francisco 27
Rebs: Giedraitis 7
Asts: Lô, Williams-Goss 5
PIR: Francisco 31
Arena: Kalnapilio Arena
Attendance: 2,612
Referees: Saulius Račys, Jurgis Laurinavicius, Juozas Barkauskas
31 May 2026
Game 3
Žalgiris 103–93
(Series: 3–0)
Lietkabelis Kaunas
16:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 29–27, 27–20, 19–21, 28–25
Pts: Wright 25
Rebs: Tubelis 10
Asts: Francisco 6
PIR: Wright 32
Boxscore Pts: Kullamäe 22
Rebs: Danusevičius 6
Asts: Radičević 6
PIR: Kullamäe 25
Arena: Žalgiris Arena
Attendance: 5,765
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Jurgis Laurinavičius, Andžej Urbanovič

Juventus vs. Neptūnas

27 May 2026
Game 1
Neptūnas 83–96
(Series: 0–1)
Juventus Klaipėda
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 20–25, 14–26, 18–19, 31–26
Pts: Tarolis 20
Rebs: Tarolis 9
Asts: Velička 9
PIR: Tarolis 26
Boxscore Pts: Diarra 20
Rebs: Vraneš 9
Asts: Valinskas 6
PIR: Vraneš 21
Arena: Švyturys Arena
Attendance: 2,845
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Saulius Račys, Andžej Urbanovič
29 May 2026
Game 2
Juventus 86–83
(Series: 2–0)
Neptūnas Utena
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 14–19, 17–23, 29–18
Pts: Valinskas 29
Rebs: Vraneš 8
Asts: Uleckas 3
PIR: Valinskas 25
Boxscore Pts: Šiliņš 17
Rebs: Šiliņš 8
Asts: Velička 12
PIR: Šiliņš 22
Arena: Utena Arena
Attendance: 2,988
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Gvidas Gedvilas, Aurimas Borusas
1 June 2026
Game 3
Neptūnas 102–84
(Series: 1–2)
Juventus Klaipėda
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 27–20, 24–22, 24–21, 27–21
Pts: Velička 20
Rebs: Lomažs 8
Asts: Lomažs, Velička 6
PIR: Velička 19
Boxscore Pts: Lewis 23
Rebs: Lewis 5
Asts: Lewis, Valinskas 4
PIR: Maxwell 27
Arena: Švyturys Arena
Attendance: 2,596
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Gvidas Gedvilas, Gintaras Mačiulis
3 June 2026
Game 4
Juventus 103–90
(Series: 3–1)
Neptūnas Utena
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 25–23, 30–13, 23–34, 25–20
Pts: Uleckas 21
Rebs: Vraneš 7
Asts: Valinskas 8
PIR: Uleckas 29
Boxscore Pts: Lomažs 31
Rebs: Tarolis, Waterman 5
Asts: Velička 7
PIR: Lomažs 32
Arena: Utena Arena
Attendance: 3,004
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Saulius Račys, Juozas Barkauskas

Third place

Team 1 Series Team 2 Game 1 Game 2 Game 3Game 4Game 5
Lietkabelis 1–3 Neptūnas 73–86 80−68 63–6682–91–
6 June 2026
Game 1
Neptūnas 86–73
(Series: 1–0)
Lietkabelis Klaipėda
16:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 31–14, 15–23, 23–25, 17–11
Pts: Šiliņš 15
Rebs: Tarolis 7
Asts: Velička 5
PIR: Velička 25
Boxscore Pts: Kullamäe 25
Rebs: Maldūnas 9
Asts: Radičević 6
PIR: Kullamäe 22
Arena: Švyturys Arena
Attendance: 1,447
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Jurgis Laurinavičius, Gintaras Mačiulis
8 June 2026
Game 2
Lietkabelis 80–68
(Series: 1–1)
Neptūnas Panevėžys
18:30 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 18−28, 13−13, 25−13, 24–14
Pts: Kullamäe 19
Rebs: Washington 10
Asts: Radičević 5
PIR: Kullamäe 20
Boxscore Pts: Tarolis 16
Rebs: Tarolis 6
Asts: Velička 6
PIR: Tarolis 24
Arena: Kalnapilio Arena
Attendance: 1,952
Referees: Saulius Račys, Gvidas Gedvilas, Andžej Urbanovič
11 June 2026
Game 3
Neptūnas 66–63
(Series: 2–1)
Lietkabelis Klaipėda
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 15−24, 25−13, 10−15, 16−11
Pts: Šiliņš 14
Rebs: Tarolis 9
Asts: Velička 4
PIR: Tarolis 23
Boxscore Pts: Danusevičius 17
Rebs: Furmanavičius 10
Asts: Bičkauskis, Kullamäe 4
PIR: Danusevičius 22
Arena: Švyturys Arena
Attendance: 2,510
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Gvidas Gedvilas, Gintaras Mačiulis
13 June 2026
Game 4
Lietkabelis 82–91
(Series: 1–3)
Neptūnas Panevėžys
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 16–22, 22–20, 18–21
Boxscore Arena: Kalnapilio Arena

Finals

Road to the final
Žalgiris Round Juventus
1st place (31–1) Regular season 7th place (12–20)
Opponent Series Playoffs Opponent Series
Jonava Hipocredit2–0 Quarterfinals Rytas2–0
Lietkabelis3–0 Semifinals Neptūnas3–1
Team 1 Series Team 2 Game 1 Game 2 Game 3Game 4Game 5
Žalgiris 3–0 Juventus 107–75 100–69 95−77––
7 June 2026
Game 1
Žalgiris 107–75
(Series: 1–0)
Juventus Kaunas
16:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 27–13, 18–21, 30–26, 32–15
Pts: Tubelis 19
Rebs: Birutis 7
Asts: Francisco 6
PIR: Tubelis, Wright 23
Boxscore Pts: Lewis 18
Rebs: Uleckas 7
Asts: Johnson 5
PIR: Lewis 17
Arena: Žalgiris Arena
Attendance: 6,992
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Juozas Barkauskas, Aurimas Borusas
9 June 2026
Game 2
Juventus 69–100
(Series: 0–2)
Žalgiris Utena
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 17–29, 17–23, 22–24
Pts: Valinskas 17
Rebs: Uleckas 8
Asts: Valinskas 4
PIR: Lewis 17
Boxscore Pts: Tubelis 20
Rebs: Ulanovas 9
Asts: Williams-Goss 7
PIR: Tubelis 30
Arena: Utena Arena
Attendance: 3,124
Referees: Gytis Vilius, Saulius Račys, Gintaras Mačiulis
12 June 2026
Game 3
Žalgiris 95–77
(Series: 3–0)
Juventus Kaunas
18:50 (EEST) Scoring by quarter: 28−18, 22−21, 21−17, 24−21
Pts: Sleva 19
Rebs: Butkevičius 8
Asts: Williams-Goss 10
PIR: Williams-Goss 19
Boxscore Pts: Lewis 25
Rebs: Uleckas 9
Asts: Three players 3
PIR: Lewis 36
Arena: Žalgiris Arena
Attendance: 12,688
Referees: Artūras Šukys, Jurgis Laurinavičius, Juozas Barkauskas


2025–26 LKL champions
Žalgiris
(26th title)

Notes

  1. ↑ In case a third match is needed in the quarterfinals stage.
  2. ↑ In case a fifth match is needed in the semifinals stage.
  3. ↑ In case a fifth match is needed in the third place series.
  4. ↑ In case a fifth match is needed in the finals stage.
  5. ↑ Initially first quarterfinals game between Rytas and Juventus should be played in Vilnius. However, due to the occupancy of the Utena Arena, the first game of the series will be played in Utena on 21 May. The second and third games (if necessary) will be played in Vilnius.

References

  1. ↑ "LKL paaiškėjo pirmoji atkrintamųjų pora, dėl likusių trijų – pora klaustukų". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 12 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  2. ↑ ""Rytas" galutinai palaidojo kėdainiečių viltis ir išaiškino dar vieną ketvirtfinalio porą". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 13 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Išdėliotas LKL atkrintamųjų tvarkaraštis". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Aiškios visos LKL, kurią remia "Betsson", ketvirtfinalio poros". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 17 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  5. ↑ "Aiški pirmoji pusfinalio pora". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 22 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  6. ↑ "Jonavoje – suskaldyta lenta ir "Žalgirio" žingsnis į LKL pusfinalį". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 22 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  7. ↑ "Tarsi tradicija: "Lietkabelis" – devintą kartą paeiliui LKL pusfinalyje". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 22 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  8. ↑ "Amžiaus sensacija: "Rytas" pirmąkart istorijoje liko be LKL pusfinalio". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 23 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  9. ↑ "Ilgai laukta "Neptūno" pergalė: Lomažo lyderystė sugrąžino ekipą į pusfinalį". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 23 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  10. ↑ ""Sausai" serijoje triumfavęs „Žalgiris" žengė į finalą". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 31 May 2026. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "Pelenės pasaka: "Neptūną" nubloškusi "Juventus" – LKL finale". krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). 3 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "Aiškus LKL finalo tvarkaraštis". basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian). 3 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  13. ↑ "Titulas lieka Kaune: "Žalgiris" 26-tą kartą tapo čempionu, Ą. Tubelis – MVP!". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 12 June 2026. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  14. ↑ "Ilgas laukimas baigėsi: Panevėžyje laimėjęs "Neptūnas" iškovojo bronzą". lkl.lt (in Lithuanian). 13 June 2026. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  15. 1 2 "Semifinal Schedule Locked In as Juvents Defies the Odds against BCL Champions". en.lkl.lt. 23 May 2026. Retrieved 23 May 2026.