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Latvia paid €1m just to secure Luka Doncic’s appearance in EuroBasket warm-ups

Originally posted on HITC | By Bergas Agung | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Luka Doncic has long been one of the game’s most watched players, but his profile has only grown since joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

His move to LA through a blockbuster trade put him even more in the spotlight, already a popular figure around the world.

Doncic isn’t just a big name in professional basketball — his impact extends into international play as well.

Even during EuroBasket preparation games, Doncic’s presence drew remarkable attention. Host countries responded with record ticket sales and investments, just to feature him on their courts.

Latvia reportedly paid €1 million to ensure Doncic appeared

Latvian Basketball Federation General Secretary Kaspars Cipruss spoke about the significant costs involved in arranging warm-up games that included Doncic’s Slovenia team. The federation spent around €1 million for the games against Lithuania and Slovenia.

Most of the cost went towards making sure Doncic would play, including paying for Slovenia’s travel expenses. Cipruss believed it was a necessary move to boost attendance and revenue.

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“We paid for the Slovenians’ plane tickets. That was the only way for Luka Doncic to come. Without him, we would have sold 60 to 70 percent of the tickets, and with him the hall was sold out. People were waiting in front of the hotel for an autograph. This has never happened in Latvia before,” Cipruss explained.

“I don’t know exactly how much the tournament cost, but it was a business decision. If you want the best players, then you have to invest something.”

Doncic’s limited minutes still delivered entertainment value

Doncic made the most of his time on the court against Latvia, putting up 26 points before a minor injury concern kept him out for much of the second half.

Even with his minutes cut short, fans didn’t feel shortchanged. Latvian supporters got to see Doncic in action and left happy after their side’s 100-88 win.