Víctor Lavagnini: "The mark I want to leave is that of my professionalism and passion."

BarcelonaTen seasons later, the Endesa League basketball games have returned to TV3 thanks to a historic agreement between the Catalan Audiovisual Media Corporation (ACB) and the Catalan Ministry of Sports, which played a key role in the negotiations. Víctor Lavagnini will be the main voice, but he wants to focus on his team. In order to grant this interview, in fact, he stipulates that a photograph of the entire team be included.

How are you experiencing the return of ACB basketball to TV3?

— It's been twenty-six years since I started in 1999 with Jordi Robirosa and Lluís Canut. In the last ten years, we've been through a kind of desert crossing, and now we're recovering this historic window that basketball had on Sunday afternoons. I'm looking forward to it with great excitement and enthusiasm. The agreement was a very difficult puzzle, but in the end, all the pieces fell into place. I'm very happy, and now we'll try to do our best.

What does it mean to you?

— On a personal level, it means following my love affair with basketball and the history of the Catalan teams more closely, for whose history I have great respect. We'll describe the growth of our teams and what it means to their fans. I'll be torn.

Is it a big deal to replace Jordi Robirosa?

— There are no heirs, no intruders, no heirs here. Jordi Robirosa has closed a great era and is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Because of my background and experience, I've been tasked with leading this project alongside a new team that blends veterans and youth. We must seek talent within, not outside, and that's what we've tried to do. I like to focus on the team. Our team includes Nacho Solozábal, who has great analytical skills, and me. Also on the team are Ruth Gumbau, who will be the visible face in the arenas; Nil Llobet, who has a great talent for narration; and Joan Sánchez, who will bring the digital environment to life. Additionally, Cindy Lima will be on hand for the women's basketball games.

What does Nacho Solozábal bring?

— His value has transcended because he's one of the best assets in the history of Catalan basketball, but he's also like a guardian angel who came from heaven. He's a great analyst and has a wealth of experience behind the microphone. He's a benchmark.

The bet goes beyond broadcasts, right?

— Yes, the project is more ambitious. On the one hand, because of what it represents for Catalan. The broadcasts will have a clear inclusive value. On the other hand, because of the multiplatform commitment we will make. Television is a very important platform, but the Sports Department wants to increase the presence of Catalan basketball on social media. In addition, we want to establish a cross-functional collaboration with Catalunya Ràdio. All of this will take shape in a 360-degree platform that will include video podcasts, in-depth interviews, and a wealth of daily information.

The matches will be broadcast on TV3. What does this mean?

— The commitment to bringing the games to TV3 is very demanding because it's our most important window. We will boost the Sunday morning slot with basketball. Beyond audiences, we must also consider the platform's unique users and connected devices. The first game between Granada and Joventut was very popular. Young people are more interested in small screens than large ones.

People have known your style for years, what seal do you want to convey?

— What I value most about the work I do is the preparation for each match I take on. I invest many hours in each game. It's work that's not visible. I really enjoy understanding the players, teams, and opponents of the Catalan teams. The mark I want to leave is that of my professionalism and passion for reporting on a sport I love. I want to emphasize the transmission of values and passion for the game. I made mistakes during preseason, but I also made mistakes on the part of the players and referees.

How do you handle criticism?

When someone doesn't respect me, I block them on social media. If they don't respect me, why do they follow me? There are many sensitivities and people with very thin skin. What we broadcasters want are exciting matches with a close finish.

What will the election of parties be like?

— The six teams affiliated with the Catalan Federation will have a very balanced distribution. The presence of the Catalan teams will be very equal, and the number of matches will be very similar. Negotiations have not been easy, but we will offer many Catalan matches.

Always from your studies?

— The broadcasts will be remote. Ruth Gumbau will be present in the arenas to personalize the signal and conduct interviews, but for technical reasons, we'll have to broadcast from the studio, as the production is handled by the ACB. We won't be able to physically be in the arenas because the viewer would hear us before receiving the image. People should know this. It's not because we don't want to—we'd love to—but for technical reasons. The narrators will also rotate.