Arena “Husejin Smajlović” in Zenica is set to take its place on the European basketball stage tonight, as Dubai Basketball hosts Valencia Basket in the final round of the EuroLeague regular season.

Following a series of relocated home games in Sarajevo, Dubai Basketball arrives in Zenica for the first time, bringing top-tier European basketball to a new host city. Ahead of a potential historic game, club officials and local organisers gathered for a pre-game press conference to highlight the significance of the occasion.

Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić praised the venue and atmosphere, saying, “From the first moment you enter the arena, you feel it is a EuroLeague venue. It’s a great stage, and as a team, my players and I are excited to play here.”

Dubai Basketball General Manager Dejan Kamenjašević expressed gratitude to the hosts while emphasising the team’s ambitions: “I would like to thank the organisers, the city of Zenica, and the fans, as we are truly grateful to Zenica for making this possible. From a EuroLeague perspective, this hall has nothing to envy, and it is special to see Zenica host a game of this level against a team like Valencia. Dubai will show that we are a worthy rival who can compete with anyone, and with many players from the region, we hope the fans will support us.”

Nedim Talić, Director of Arena “Husejin Smajlović” in Zenica, highlighted the city’s readiness to host major events, “We are fully capable of hosting major events like this EuroLeague game. We are technically equipped and hope to welcome more of these occasions in the future. We are fully prepared for tonight’s game and very happy to be part of it. We are also pleased that Dubai found a way to approach us. This opportunity helps position Zenica on the European map for events of this kind, and we are very grateful.”

Goran Bulajić, President of OKK Čelik Zenica, underlined the community effort behind the event, “We received an invitation from KK Bosna to help organise the game here in Zenica, and in just 14 to 15 days, working with our local partners, we managed to arrange everything. We have around 1,000 children from our clubs attending to support Dubai, and with a capacity of about 6,200, the arena is expected to be full.”

Dubravko Barbarić, President of KK Bosna BH Telecom, added “Basketball is deeply rooted in Bosnia, including Zenica, and it is our number one sport. We have a strong history, with clubs like Bosna, which won the EuroLeague in 1979, and that legacy remains an important part of our identity. We truly enjoy basketball and have it in our DNA, so games of this level are always welcome in Zenica.”

With a sold-out crowd expected and strong local support, Zenica’s debut as a EuroLeague host marks a significant moment both for the city and for Dubai Basketball, as the team looks to close out the regular season on a high note.

-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:

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