Dubai Basketball’s U18 Elite team is set to make history this week as the first-ever team from the country to compete in the prestigious AVANCE Global Cup, taking place from January 29 to 31 in Málaga, Spain.

The tournament will see Dubai Basketball go head-to-head with 10 of the world’s most respected youth programmes, bringing together elite teams from five continents and eight countries. Held in Fuengirola, the AVANCE Global Cup offers a rare global platform for emerging talent to compete at the highest level.

Dubai Basketball’s inclusion marks a major milestone not only for the club, but for the UAE basketball ecosystem. As the nation’s representative on this international stage, the U18 Elite squad will showcase the rapid progress of youth development in Dubai while carrying the name of the first team, currently making history in two major European leagues.

Dubai Basketball will compete against leading academies and clubs including Unicaja (Spain), NBA Academy Africa (Senegal), IMG Academy (USA), Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania), Varese (Italy), Australia Elite, Bella Vista Prep (USA), Veritas Prep (USA) and Orangeville Academy (Canada).

For the U18 team, the tournament also serves as a key stepping stone ahead of the EuroLeague Next Gen Tournament, which will be hosted in Abu Dhabi in February, reinforcing Dubai’s growing presence on the global sports calendar.

Tomislav Vuckovic, captain of the U18 Dubai Basketball Elite team said, “Competing in a tournament like the AVANCE Global Cup 2026 is a privilege for us; we get to represent Dubai for the first time ever on an incredible platform. We’ll be facing some of the best junior elite teams in the world, which makes this an important test for us. The group is confident and fully focused, the next few days will help define our level and provide a good foundation heading into the EuroLeague Next Gen Tournament in Abu Dhabi.”

As Dubai Basketball continues to invest in youth development and international competition, the U18 Elite team’s participation at the AVANCE Global Cup stands as a symbol of how far the basketball has come in the UAE and where it is heading next.

-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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