Tomas Okmanas, a co-founder of the technology group Tesonet and one of Lithuania’s wealthiest individuals, is applying American-style management philosophies and a “no excuses” work ethic to the operations of BC Žalgiris. The 38-year-old investor, whose personal net worth reached $1.4 billion (€1.32 billion) by 2025, joined the club as a shareholder in 2022 and now focuses his influence on the business and administrative side of the organization rather than on-court tactical decisions.
Okmanas uses a “surpass talent” mentality to drive club growth
During a two-hour conversation on the “Off The Record” podcast, Okmanas highlighted the club’s motto: “Outwork excuses, outwork talent.” He attributes the success of both the Lithuanian tech sector and Žalgiris to a cultural willingness to endure grueling hours and relentless discipline.
The investor described a high-intensity communication environment where executives and staff, including Paulius Motiejūnas, exchange messages from the moment they wake up until they proceed to sleep. This level of commitment extends to the club’s veterans, with Okmanas noting that figures like Paulius Jankūnas and Gediminas Navickas remain deeply invested in every game.
He credited this “black work” and discipline as the only way to maintain progress, particularly as the club faces increasingly difficult financial constraints each year.
Sylvain Francisco is likely headed for the NBA
While the club’s management focuses on stability, its star player, Sylvain Francisco, appears poised for a jump to the United States. EuroLeague peers Chima Moneke of Crvena Zvezda and Jaron Blossomgame of AS Monaco both expressed near-certainty that Francisco won’t sign another European contract this summer.
Moneke placed the probability of an NBA move at 99 percent, arguing that Francisco understands his market value will increase significantly after a stint in the NBA. Blossomgame agreed, suggesting a short-term American venture before a potential eventual return to Europe.
Francisco’s statistical output supports this trajectory. Over 37 EuroLeague games, he has averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, maintaining a performance index rating (PIR) of 19.6.
Financial stakes and the fight for EuroLeague playoffs
The intersection of high-net-worth investment and athletic performance has position Žalgiris in a strong position. The club currently sits sixth in the EuroLeague standings. A victory against Paris Basketball would guarantee them a direct path to the playoffs.
Okmanas’s approach mirrors the efficiency of the global cybersecurity firms he leads. By treating the club’s office operations with the same rigor as a tech startup, he aims to maximize revenue and infrastructure despite the limitations of the arena’s capacity.
Will Sylvain Francisco stay in Europe this summer?
Unlikely. Fellow EuroLeague players Chima Moneke and Jaron Blossomgame believe there is a 99 percent chance he moves to the NBA, with Moneke stating he will not sign any European contract this summer.
What part of the club does Tomas Okmanas actually manage?
Okmanas explicitly avoids interfering in on-court gaming matters. His focus is strictly on the work conducted outside the court and the general operations within the club’s office.