Seville Basketball's Downfall: Cajista Club Nears Bankruptcy Liquidation
In the vibrant city of Seville, basketball has long been a source of passion and pride. Club Baloncesto Sevilla, one of the historic clubs of the ACB, has experienced a rollercoaster ride over the years.
Founded in 1987 with aspirations of competing in the ACB, the club reached its peak in the 1990s, thanks to sponsorship from Caja San Fernando. During this period, the team made its debut in European competition and even reached the ACB final twice, in 1996 and 1999, albeit without securing the title.
The 1999 season was particularly memorable for the club and its fans. Not only did they celebrate the elimination of Real Madrid in the semifinals, but they also reached the King's Cup final, only to lose to Tau Vitoria. The team's performance under the coaching of Javier Imbroda, with Andre Turner as a standout player, was commendable.
However, the global financial crisis of the late 2000s took a toll on Spanish savings banks, including Caja San Fernando. This led to the integration of Cajasol into Banca Cívica in 2010, and its absorption by CaixaBank in 2012. The company that took over the sponsorship contract of Club Baloncesto Sevilla during this period was Banca Cívica.
The early 2000s were a challenging time for the club, as it struggled to qualify for the play-offs for nine consecutive years. In an attempt to revive its fortunes, the club sought refuge under the umbrella of Real Betis, but the first season under the verdiblanco colors, the team finished last in the ACB in 2014.
The team's fortunes continued to wane, and in 2018, it was relegated from the ACB. A return the following year was short-lived, as the club was relegated again in 2023.
Amidst these sporting struggles, the club has been grappling with office problems, teetering on the verge of disappearance. However, a new basketball team, Caja 1987, has emerged in the city, generating excitement in its early steps in Segunda FEB. It seems poised to take up the mantle of Sevillian basketball, should Club Baloncesto Sevilla fail to overcome its current challenges.
In a twist of fate, the Higher Council of Sports and the ordinary justice recently denied Club Baloncesto Sevilla's precautionary measures, which may lead to liquidation proceedings. If this were to happen, it would mark the end of a storied chapter in Sevillian basketball history. But as they say, the game is not over until the final buzzer sounds.
