Dubai Basketball is set to join one of the world’s most prestigious basketball leagues, EuroLeague, on a 5-year contract starting this September

The UAE-based team will compete in two European leagues in the 2025/26 season – ABA League and EuroLeague

Dubai, 22 June 2025: Widely recognised as one of the toughest basketball leagues in the world, EuroLeague announced its expansion from 18 to 20 teams in late May. Dubai Basketball has now been confirmed to be one of the two new teams to secure the coveted slot to play in the 2025/26 EuroLeague season.

Following a historical debut season in ABA League – where Dubai Basketball climbed to the playoff semi-finals before being halted by European powerhouse Partizan – the team captured the attention of thousands worldwide. Although their campaign ended shy of the final finishing in third overall, the season laid a powerful foundation for what promises to be a defining season for the club.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the leadership of Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council for their unwavering support. Their vision and commitment have been instrumental in making the success of Dubai Basketball possible,” said Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah, Chairman and Founder.

Coached by Jurica Golemac, Dubai Basketball is set to make its EuroLeague debut in the 2025/26 season, going head-to-head with some of the most celebrated basketball teams in the world. Facing the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and reigning champions Fenerbahce, among other elite clubs – Dubai Basketball will bring top-tier European basketball to Coca-Cola Arena from September to June.

Co-founded by visionary and Co-Chief Executive Officer Dejan Kamenjašević, Dubai Basketball is the product of his years of experience and deep passion for the game. Dejan has been a driving force behind the club’s rapid rise. “Dubai Basketball is not an instant project; it has taken us years to reach the point we are in today. But it brings me great pride to say that this team is an instant success,” said Kamenjašević.

“Credit goes to our coaches, players and all Dubai Basketball employees who worked hard to convert this dream to a reality. Now, with EuroLeague ahead, we have even more to show. We’re building something this city has never seen before, and we’re excited to make history while growing the Dubai Basketball family.”

In just their first season, Dubai Basketball attracted nearly 80,000 fans to Coca-Cola Arena, paving the way for a new era for the sport in the region. As the only Middle Eastern team represented in ABA League last season, Dubai had something to prove from day one. Backed by a passionate and growing fan base, the club continues to be fuelled by the belief and support of its community.

Over the span of a year, Dubai Basketball has firmly established itself as a top contender in European basketball. With a seasoned coach who brings both professional playing experience and leadership at the highest levels of European basketball and a talented roster including players fresh from NBA and EuroLeague, the team’s story is only just beginning.

All home games will continue to be held at Dubai’s premier indoor venue, Coca-Cola Arena, which boasts a capacity of 15,000 in its basketball format. As the club enters the longest season in EuroLeague history, it will welcome Europe’s strongest teams to the heart of the city – marking a major milestone for basketball in the United Arab Emirates and the entire region.

Fans can register their interest to attend the 2025/26 season games on the Coca-Cola Arena website with full season passes available for fans in July.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023 by UAE’s Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah, Dubai Basketball is a newly-established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s – the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2024/25 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players with the team represented by countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. The franchise plays their home games in the ABA League at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on its social media platforms:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
X – https://x.com/dubaibasket
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

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