The 23rd Ambassador of Lithuania’s Basketball Cup United Basketball Enthusiasts from Lithuanian-American Communities and U.S. Institutions
Washington, D.C., October 17, 2026 – The 23rd Ambassador of Lithuania’s Basketball Cup Tournament took place in Washington, D.C., bringing together teams representing Lithuanian-American communities, the diplomatic corps, U.S. government institutions, and the private sector in a celebration of sport, community, and transatlantic partnership.
The tournament featured four Lithuanian-American community teams: Baltimore Vilkas, Connecticut Ąžuolai, New Jersey Liepsna, and Washington Vėjas. They were joined by the Embassy of Lithuania’s team LTinUSA, the joint Energy & State team representing the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of State, the EU/US Diplomats team, and a team from Antares, a private nuclear energy technology company.
After a day of competitive and spirited play, Baltimore Vilkas claimed the 2026 Ambassador of Lithuania’s Cup. The EU/US Diplomats team finished in second place, while the Embassy of Lithuania’s LTinUSA team secured third place for the third consecutive year.
The Embassy of Lithuania congratulates all participating teams for their outstanding commitment, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Through their participation, the teams help preserve the strong tradition of basketball, strengthen ties among Lithuanian-American communities, and contribute to the growing partnership between Lithuania and the United States.
The Embassy extends its sincere gratitude to the tournament’s long-standing partner, the Lithuanian Athletic Union of North America (LAUNA/ŠALFASS), and to this year’s sponsors, the Kazickas Family Foundation, the California Lithuanian Credit Union, and the Lithuanian Foundation. Their generous support helps promote sport, foster community engagement, and strengthen the longstanding bonds between Lithuania and the United States.
