Imortal's Future at Risk Due to Municipal Funding Cuts

Imortal Basket Club announced this Friday, via an official statement, that its participation in the upcoming 2026/2027 sports season is seriously jeopardized. The club attributes this to "recent cuts in financial support from the Municipality of Albufeira," which leave them without the "necessary financial conditions to sustain their sports project."

The outgoing board, whose mandate concludes shortly, believes this new reality makes the project's continuation unfeasible. "Given this new reality in municipal financial support, there are no internal conditions to continue the envisioned sports project, which has achieved very positive results to date," the statement reads.

The Algarve club emphasizes that the success achieved in recent years, which elevated Albufeira's name in national men's and women's basketball, was a result of support from various entities, particularly local tourism companies. However, the board always considered that "the sustainability of a project of this magnitude in the elite of national sports depended significantly on financial support from the Municipality."

With the cessation of this support, the current board states that it becomes "mathematically impossible" to maintain operations in their current form. Consequently, and in accordance with the statutes, elections for new governing bodies have been scheduled for June 17th.

Despite the delicate situation, the statement expresses a "firm belief in the institution's future." The outgoing board hopes that, considering the "valuable sporting rights held by the club" — specifically in the Men's League, Women's League, and Men's Proliga — candidacies will emerge in the upcoming election. The expectation is that "a new project can take over Imortal Basket Club and realize these rights, registering the club to compete in the respective national championships."

The Imortal Basket Club board announced, with "deep sadness," the abrupt interruption of its activities, a decision driven by "factors external to its sports and financial management."

Founded on June 24, 2011, by a group of former athletes, coaches, and directors, the club was established with the goal of revitalizing basketball in Albufeira. Its strategy was based on institutional autonomy, financial rigor, and a strong investment in youth development, engaging approximately 250 athletes per season across both women's and men's age groups.

Albufeira basketball's trophy cabinet, shared between Imortal Desportivo Clube (IDC) and, from 2011, Imortal Basket Club (IBC), reflects a rich history of achievements. Between 2011 and 2026, the club secured 26 regional titles across all youth categories.

The senior men's team won the 1st Division twice (2016/2017 and 2022/2023), the Proliga (2017/2018), and the António Pratas Trophy (2019/2020), among other titles. The senior women's team also excelled, winning the National 1st Division in 2021/2022.