Dubai, 10 July 2025: ABA League star McKinley Wright IV joins Dubai Basketball’s roster as the team prepares for their 2025/26 EuroLeague debut. The 1.8-metre American guard joins the newly formed Dubai Basketball on a two-year contract, making his debut in EuroLeague along with the team this season.

ABA League Run & NBA History

The 26-year-old comes fresh from a thrilling debut campaign with Budućnost VOLI where he was crowned Most Valuable Player of the ABA League Regular Season. Budućnost wrapped up their season as a runner-up, falling to Partizan Mozzart Bet in Belgrade – McKinley paired an average of 12.8 points and 2.4 rebounds with 4.9 assists in his first season with the team.

Before joining the Montenegrin side, Wright began his professional career with the NBA. The then 23-year-old McKinley began his professional career signing a single-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2021. He made his league debut that same season, splitting time between the NBA and G League before joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2022. Over two seasons, McKinley featured in 32 NBA games, contributing consistent minutes off the bench across the season.

New Challenge

In a historical moment for the region, Dubai Basketball was announced as one of the two new teams to enter EuroLeague as a part of the league’s expansion from 18 to 20 teams. Joining Valencia Basket and Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. as the newest teams in the league, McKinley will join a lineup of talent at Dubai Basketball, including ex-teammate at the Mavericks, Davis Bertans.

Dubai Basketball brings in new talent this season with the vision to best Europe’s elite right at the heart of the city at Coca-Cola Arena. From the biggest teams to the best talents in the world, the 2025/26 season is preparing to be a historical year for the sport. Following a third-place finish in their first season of competition in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball aims to replicate a record-breaking run in the most prestigious league in Europe.

On the brink of one of the most exciting seasons of basketball in the region, fans are invited to witness the action live at Coca-Cola Arena. Fans can register now to avail exclusive Early Bird access to season tickets on the Coca-Cola Arena website.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Jurica Golemac. The club plays their home games 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 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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David Jover

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Hanan Mohamed

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