By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
German prospect Jack Kayil has secured his professional future by committing to a long-term, multi-year contract with ALBA Berlin, according to a report by Rupert Fabig of the Hamburger Abendblatt on Friday morning. A five-year contract was later officially confirmed by the easyCredit BBL champions.
“Last season was incredibly successful, and I had a blast. That’s why I’m even more excited to be staying in Berlin,” said Kayil in a statement. “I can’t wait to get started again and pick up where we left off.”
“The NBA is and always will be my big dream, and ALBA is exactly the right place for me to continue on this path,” he added. “The club has already helped me take the crucial steps in that direction. I’m simply happy and grateful to be back in this incredible environment.”
JACK BLEIBT! 💛💙
Fünfjahresvertrag: Jack Kayil hat bei uns einen Vertrag bis zum Ende der Saison 2030/2031 unterschrieben.
Sooooooo excited, Jack! 🥹
🔗 Alle Infos über https://t.co/Tx0kQm4KWA pic.twitter.com/tuSMg2KPf7
— ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) August 7, 2026
The 20-year-old point guard, who was recently selected 39th overall by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, was indeed expected to remain in Europe to focus on his development rather than transitioning immediately to North America.
This decision untangles a complex three-way deadlock involving the reigning NBA champion Knicks, Kayil’s parent club Mega in Serbia, and a handful of competing suitors across Germany’s BBL.
The Berlin native spent the 2025–26 season on loan with the Albatrosse, where he enjoyed a phenomenal breakout campaign. During that stretch, he spearheaded the team to a Bundesliga championship while capturing both the domestic league’s Best Young Player award and the Basketball Champions League’s Best Young Player honors.
However, his contractual rights for the upcoming 2026–27 season technically remained with Belgrade-based Mega. This contractual limbo left his immediate future uncertain as multiple teams closely monitored his availability. While the Knicks preferred a draft-and-stash approach to preserve their own roster and financial flexibility, rival German clubs aggressively pushed to acquire the rising playmaker. Ultimately, the Berlin outfit navigated the financial hurdles by agreeing to pay a formal buyout fee to Mega.
By finalizing this long-term deal, Kayil guarantees himself an impactful role and elite competition in Europe, balancing his domestic BBL duties with the BCL, while New York retains his draft rights for the future.
Wojciechowski joins Legia on short-term Deal
Also on Friday, Legia Warszawa officially penned 33-year-old forward Mathieu Wojciechowski to a three-month contract.
🇵🇱/🇫🇷 Mathieu Wojciechowski dołącza do Legii Kosz! 🏀
33-letni niski skrzydłowy związał się z naszym klubem krótkoterminową, trzymiesięczną umową. Ostatnie sześć sezonów spędził we Francji, a w poprzednich rozgrywkach reprezentował barwy Chorale Roanne, z którym wywalczył awans… pic.twitter.com/853B8NMnZo
— 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐙 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐒𝐊𝐈 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔🏆 (@LegiaKosz) August 7, 2026
The back-to-back Orlen Basket Liga champions made the move ahead of training camp to cover for Michał Kolenda. The 29-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks following ankle surgery.
Wojciechowski brings valuable league experience to the squad, having previously played 14 BCL games with Limoges CSP.
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