Bohdan Hulyamov, president of the Kyiv basketball club Budivelnyk, in an interview with the club's press service published by Sport RBC.UA, commented on the prospects of the men's team returning to the elite of Ukrainian basketball. The official stated that it is premature to talk about resuming performances in the men's Superleague, while the full-scale war in Ukraine remains the main factor of uncertainty. According to him, the issue of the men's team's return "is not the primary focus" under current conditions, but the club will certainly return to it — "when there is peace in Ukraine."
War as the main barrier to return
Bohdan Hulyamov emphasized that basketball players are human beings and citizens just like everyone else, living in a real world where a war is underway in the country. This very factor, in his assessment, determines the club's priorities for the near future. The president of Budivelnyk did not name specific dates for the men's team's possible return to the Superleague, limiting himself to stating that a decision will be made when the situation in the country allows. Thus, the issue of restoring the men's squad remains open and tied to the geopolitical and military situation.
Focus on the women's team and children's school
To date, Hulyamov is focused on the development of the Budivelnyk women's team, which won the Ukrainian Championship and Cup last season. The women's squad is led by experienced specialist Vitaliy Cherniy. In addition, a children's team has reappeared within the capital club's structure, which has been named the Budivelnyk Youth Sports School since last year. The official expressed hope that cooperation with children's basketball will produce good players not only for the club itself, but for Ukrainian basketball as a whole. "The main thing is that Budivelnyk is functioning, playing, and winning trophies," the club president summarized.
Historical context: from 11 titles to forced withdrawal
Kyiv's Budivelnyk is the most titled club in the history of Ukrainian basketball: its players have become national champions 11 times. This title was last won in the 2022/2023 season. However, on December 9, 2023, the club sent a letter to the Basketball Federation of Ukraine announcing its withdrawal from the championship due to financial difficulties. This decision became a turning point in the life of one of the symbols of Ukrainian sports, which for decades remained the flagship of men's basketball in the country.
Current state of the club and prospects
Despite the absence of a men's team in the Superleague, Budivelnyk continues to function as a multi-profile basketball structure. The revival of the women's team, reaching the top of national women's basketball, and the creation of a children's school allow the club to maintain its presence in the sports life of Kyiv and Ukraine. Hulyamov did not rule out that the issue of returning the men's squad will be raised as the situation stabilizes, but currently the priority is the stable operation of existing teams and the development of the youth base. Thus, Budivelnyk is undergoing a period of transformation, in which the preservation of the club's brand and infrastructure is seen as the foundation for a future return to the men's elite.
