# FC Barcelona basketball coaching staff updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fc-barcelona-basketball-coaching-hire
> Updated: 2026-08-07T18:40:25.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4.

In early July 2026 FC Barcelona’s basketball section was finalising its search for a new head coach after ending the previous contract. Slovenian national‑team coach Aleksander Sekulić, who had led a club to an ABA League title, emerged as the frontrunner and was in talks with president Joan Laporta. The club also extended sporting director Joël Parra’s contract and pursued a 27‑year‑old guard with NBA‑development‑league experience as part of its roster rebuild.

By 21 July the club confirmed Sekulić’s appointment on a contract running to 30 June 2028, making him the first Slovenian to lead Barça’s basketball side and replacing Xavi Pascual, who moved to coach in Dubai. The announcement reiterated ongoing player‑signing activity under the new project.

On 5 August the team formally introduced Sekulić, who thanked Laporta and the board, noted the added pressure of a youthful squad, praised Spain’s Liga Endesa as the premier domestic league, and pledged to develop talent while aiming to exceed the club’s ambitions.

Two days later, on 7 August, Croatian veteran Jurica Žuža was added to the coaching staff as assistant to Sekulić. Žuža, who has worked with Sekulić in the Czech Republic, Russia and Dubai, will oversee training sessions when the head coach is absent with the Slovenian national team. President Laporta highlighted the appointment as part of Barcelona’s commitment to strengthen its EuroLeague aspirations, and Žuža expressed honor and responsibility in supporting the new project.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Jurica Žuža appointed assistant coach of FC Barcelona basketball team

Croatian coach Jurica Žuža becomes assistant to Aleksander Sekulić at FC Barcelona basketball, with duties covering national team absences.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jurica-ua-appointed-assistant-coach-of-fc-barcelona-basketball-team

### 2026-08-05: Barça Basketball names Aleksander Sekulić as new head coach

FC Barcelona basketball appointed Aleksander Sekulić as head coach on Aug 5, 2026, noting pressure from a youthful roster and his commitment to the club’s culture and Liga Endesa.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bara-basketball-names-aleksander-sekuli-as-new-head-coach

### 2026-07-21: Aleksander Sekulic appointed as FC Barcelona basketball head coach

Aleksander Sekulic becomes FC Barcelona basketball head coach on a contract through June 2028, succeeding Xavi Pascual; the Slovenian previously led Dubai Basketball to the Adriatic League title.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aleksander-sekulic-appointed-as-fc-barcelona-basketball-head-coach

### 2026-07-10: FC Barcelona eyes Slovene Aleksander Sekulić as new head coach

Barcelona is close to appointing Slovenian coach Aleksander Sekulić as head coach, with talks underway and potential NBA‑experienced player signings.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-barcelona-eyes-slovene-aleksander-sekuli-as-new-head-coach

---
Cite as: FC Barcelona basketball coaching staff updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fc-barcelona-basketball-coaching-hire