Kazakh champions Caspiy withdraw from league citing lack of funding

Caspiy, the newly crowned champions of Kazakhstan's basketball league, have announced a shocking withdrawal from the upcoming 2026-2027 season. The club cited a severe lack of funding and a significant budget shortfall as the reasons for halting its operations. This decision comes just weeks after Caspiy sensationally defeated Astana in the championship final, securing their first-ever gold medals.

Despite their recent triumph, the club stated in a release that it is "currently unable to take part in the upcoming 2026–2027 season of the Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, men’s, women’s, and farm teams U15 and U21." The statement emphasized that the club has been actively seeking alternative funding but has been unsuccessful in covering the deficit.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, the club's announcement of withdrawal coincided with the commencement of discussions regarding an internal analysis of corruption risks. The club's management has initiated these talks, and the editorial team is reportedly contacting relevant government agencies and organizations for further information on the matter.

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It is with deep regret that we must announce that the Caspiy basketball club is currently unable to take part in the upcoming 2026–2027 season of the Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, men’s, women’s, and farm teams U15 and U21. This situation is due to a lack of funding and a current shortfall in the club’s budget.