What Is 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto was the 76th edition of Spain's premier basketball knockout tournament, held from February 16 to 19, 2012, in Granada. FC Barcelona Regal defeated Real Madrid 79–72 in the final to claim their 21st title.

Key Facts

The 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto took place from February 16 to 19, 2012.
It was the 76th edition of Spain’s top-tier basketball cup competition.
All eight top-seeded ACB league teams participated in the tournament.
FC Barcelona Regal won the final by defeating Real Madrid 79–72.
The final was held at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes de Granada.

Overview

The 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto marked a significant chapter in Spanish basketball history, serving as the 76th edition of the country's most prestigious domestic cup competition. Held in Granada from February 16 to 19, 2012, the tournament brought together the top eight teams from the Liga ACB based on their standings at the midpoint of the season.

Organized by the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), the event followed a single-elimination format culminating in a dramatic final between archrivals FC Barcelona Regal and Real Madrid. The competition not only highlighted elite-level basketball but also reinforced the cultural significance of the Copa del Rey in Spain’s sports calendar.

Host City: Granada hosted the tournament for the first time, marking a milestone for Andalusian basketball and boosting regional interest in the sport.
Participating Teams: The eight qualifiers included powerhouses like FC Barcelona Regal, Real Madrid, and Valencia Basket, all selected based on league position.
Final Score: FC Barcelona Regal defeated Real Madrid 79–72 in the final, securing their 21st Copa del Rey title in franchise history.
Venue: The Palacio Municipal de Deportes de Granada, with a capacity of 8,500, served as the official arena for all games.
Most Valuable Player:Elmer Bennett of FC Barcelona Regal was named MVP after scoring 18 points and leading his team with consistent playmaking.

How It Works

The Copa del Rey de Baloncesto operates as a mid-season knockout tournament, integrating performance incentives and national exposure for top ACB teams. Its structure emphasizes competitiveness and spectacle, drawing large audiences and media coverage.

Qualification: The top eight teams in the ACB standings after 17 rounds qualify, ensuring only the league’s best compete.
Format: A single-elimination bracket determines the champion, with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final held over four consecutive days.
Host Rotation: The host city is selected annually; in 2012, Granada won the bid over other Spanish cities.
Game Duration: Each match lasts 40 minutes across four quarters, with overtime used if scores are tied.
Referees: Three officials per game are appointed by the FEB, following FIBA international standards.
Awards: The MVP is selected post-final, and the winning team receives the Copa del Rey trophy and a cash prize of €150,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 Copa del Rey with the previous two editions in terms of location, winner, score, and attendance:

Year	Host City	Winner	Runner-Up	Final Score	Attendance
2010	Madrid	Real Madrid	FC Barcelona	97–89	12,000
2011	Barcelona	Real Madrid	Unicaja	77–76	9,200
2012	Granada	FC Barcelona Regal	Real Madrid	79–72	8,500
2009	Seville	Joventut Badalona	TAU Cerámica	84–77	10,800
2008	Málaga	TAU Cerámica	Real Madrid	85–83	9,500

The 2012 edition saw slightly lower attendance than Madrid’s 2010 event but maintained high competitive intensity. Unlike previous years, the final did not require overtime, though the margin of victory was narrow, reflecting the evenly matched contenders. Granada’s successful hosting also demonstrated the tournament’s expanding geographic reach beyond traditional basketball hubs.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto had lasting implications for Spanish basketball, influencing team dynamics, fan engagement, and regional development. Its success in Granada opened doors for smaller cities to host major sporting events, promoting inclusivity and national unity through sports.

Legacy: FC Barcelona Regal’s win reinforced their dominance, contributing to their eventual 2011–12 ACB league championship campaign.
Rivalry Intensified: The final marked the 14th time Real Madrid and Barcelona faced off in the Copa, deepening one of Europe’s fiercest basketball rivalries.
Media Coverage: The event was broadcast in over 80 countries, boosting the international profile of the ACB.
Economic Impact: Granada reported a €3.2 million boost in tourism and local spending during the tournament week.
Youth Inspiration: Attendance by over 1,200 schoolchildren sparked regional youth basketball programs in Andalusia.
Sponsorship Growth: Kia Motors, the title sponsor, renewed its partnership with the ACB for three additional years following the event.

The 2012 Copa del Rey de Baloncesto remains a benchmark for competitive balance, regional inclusivity, and sporting excellence in Spain, setting a template for future editions.