Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz inaugurated the third edition of the Minicopa México 2026 on Wednesday, May 7, at Arena Zonkeys. The youth basketball tournament, organized by Tijuana Zonkeys, brings together eight teams of 14- and 15-year-old players from across Mexico and one club from Spain for four days of competition.
Former Spanish professional basketball player Víctor Claver made the ceremonial opening basket. The Zonkeys’ dance squad performed for a packed arena before the mayor delivered his opening remarks, calling for more events that promote athletic and personal development among young people.
Eight Teams Compete Over Four Days
The tournament field is split into two groups. Group A includes Zonkeys (Tijuana), El Calor (Cancún), Soles (Mexicali), and Rayos (Hermosillo). Group B features Ángeles (Mexico City), Dorados (Chihuahua), Halcones (Ciudad Obregón), and Valencia Basket from Spain.
Teams representing the CIBACOPA league (the Liga Mexicana de Basquetbol Chevron CIBACOPA) include Zonkeys, Rayos, Ángeles, and Halcones. The Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) is represented by Dorados, El Calor, and Soles. Valencia Basket adds an international dimension to the bracket for the second straight year.
Food Drive and Community Support
Fans on both sides of the border can attend games by donating one kilogram of non-perishable food at the door. Andrea Jauregui Lapuente, general director of Tijuana Zonkeys, announced that all collected food will go to DIF Tijuana to support older adults served through the city’s Clubes de la Alegría program.
Tijuana Zonkeys president Rafael Carrillo Barrón said the club takes pride in hosting the cup in Tijuana and reiterated the organization’s commitment to youth development through sport. Officials from both CIBACOPA and the LNBP attended the ceremony, including LNBP commissioner Alonso Izaguirre and CIBACOPA general manager Omar Villanueva.
Three Years of Growth
Now in its third year, the Minicopa México has quickly grown into one of the country’s top showcases for teenage basketball talent. Games run through Saturday, May 10, at Arena Zonkeys, located in Tijuana’s Zona Río district. The tournament is free to attend with a food donation.
This story was first reported by Semanario ZETA and El Tijuanense.