Silvain Francisco Signs Record-Breaking Contract with Villeurbanne in French Basketball

Silvain Francisco, who emerged as one of the top players in the EuroLeague last season with Zalgiris, has officially signed with Villeurbanne, marking one of the biggest transfers of the summer. The guard is set to earn an estimated 4 million euros per season, making him the highest-paid player in French basketball history. This signing is the first step in Villeurbanne's plan to transform from a mid-level team into a star-studded roster, with a significantly increased budget. In the 2025-26 season, the team's budget was approximately 4.7 million euros, only slightly higher than Francisco's new contract alone.

Alongside Francisco, Villeurbanne is expected to add Daniel Theis and Armoni Brooks to their roster. The club is also reportedly interested in Gerson Yabusele, should he decide to return from the NBA to the EuroLeague, though this move currently seems unlikely. Another target is Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot, who is also being pursued by Real Madrid.

During the last EuroLeague season, Francisco played 42 games, averaging impressive stats of 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 19.2. These numbers earned him second place in the race for the MVP award. This major contract highlights Villeurbanne's ambition to become a dominant force in French and European basketball.