EuroLeague welcomes Dubai Basketball for 2025-26 season
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Dubai Basketball enjoyed a historic debut season in the ABA League, reaching the playoff semifinals before being halted by European powerhouse Partizan. Although their campaign ended short of the final, finishing in third overall, the season laid a strong foundation for what promises to be a defining second season for the club.
Abdulla Saeed Juma Al-Naboodah, chairman and founder of Dubai Basketball, said: '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.'
And, coached by Jurica Golemac, Dubai Basketball are now set to make their EuroLeague debut in 2025-26, going head-to-head with some of the most celebrated basketball teams in what is widely recognized as one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Facing the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, and reigning champions Fenerbahce, Dubai Basketball will bring top-tier European basketball to the Coca-Cola Arena from September to June.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, the co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Dubai Basketball, said: 'Dubai Basketball is not an instant project; it has taken us years to reach the point we are at today. But it brings me great pride to say that this team is an instant success.
'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.'
Dubai Basketball attracted nearly 80,000 fans to the Coca-Cola Arena in their first season, paving the way for a new era for the sport in the region.
As the only Middle Eastern team represented in the ABA League last season, Dubai had something to prove from day one. Backed by a passionate and growing fan base, the club continue to be fueled by the belief and support of the community.
The side have firmly established themselves as top contenders 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 the NBA and the EuroLeague, the team's story is just beginning.
All home games will continue to be held at the Coca-Cola Arena, which boasts a capacity of 15,000 in its basketball format.
As the club enter the longest season in EuroLeague history, they will welcome Europe's strongest teams to the heart of the city — marking a major milestone for basketball in the UAE and the entire region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ArabGT
11 hours ago
- ArabGT
Geely EX5 Launches in the UAE, Pushing the Boundaries of Electric Mobility
Arabian Gulf Mechanical Center (AGMC), the official distributor of Geely Auto in the UAE, has unveiled the all-electric Geely EX5 in the local market—marking a bold step forward in the brand's regional expansion. Following its global debut in July 2024, the EX5 has already exceeded 150,000 units sold by May 2025. Making its regional entrance, this next-generation electric SUV sets a new benchmark in smart design, high-efficiency performance, and sustainable innovation. At the heart of the EX5 is Geely's groundbreaking GEA architecture—the world's first platform to fully integrate hardware, software, artificial intelligence, and a smart environment into one cohesive system. This isn't just advanced tech—it's a redefinition of the driving experience. Powered by a 60.22 kWh battery, the EX5 delivers 218 hp and 320 Nm of torque, offering seamless performance on both city streets and highways. Safety remains a top priority, with the exclusive Short Blade Safety Battery System and a full suite of intuitive features including frameless rain-sensing wipers, a six-way massage seat, wireless charging, smart keyless entry, and a 360° surround camera. Inside, the cabin is clean, connected, and focused on the user. A 15.4-inch infotainment screen and multifunction steering wheel headline a tech-forward interior that blends comfort with modern elegance. With five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, the EX5 is built to perform under any conditions. The launch also aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, supporting the nation's shift toward clean, efficient mobility. Dr. Andreas Schaaf, Director of Al Batha Automotive Group, called the launch 'a landmark moment' for the brand, underscoring the UAE's readiness to lead in electric vehicle adoption. The debut also coincides with the opening of AGMC's new flagship Geely showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road—a space dedicated to showcasing the future of sustainable transport. As the first Geely new energy vehicle (NEV) to arrive in the Gulf, the EX5 signals the beginning of a broader regional strategy. With more electric and plug-in hybrid models on the way, Geely is inviting tech lovers and forward-thinkers across the UAE to experience the future of driving—today.
Al Arabiya
12 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Turner Agrees to Join Bucks, Who Will Waive Lillard, AP Source Says, in a Free Agency Surprise
Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year deal to join the Milwaukee Bucks, who waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard to make the acquisition happen, a person with knowledge of the moves told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Turner is agreeing to a deal that ends with a player option after spending the entirety of his first 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, which went to the NBA Finals this past season. And the remaining 112.6 million owed to Lillard will be paid out over the next five seasons via the NBA's stretch provision, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither move was announced by the clubs involved. ESPN, which first reported the plan by the Pacers and Bucks, said Turner agreed to a contract worth 107 million. For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. In both cases, Achilles tendon injuries played a role in the surprising moves. Indiana expects to be without star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the entirety of the coming season because he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder while playing through what was diagnosed as a calf strain. And earlier in the playoffs, Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Milwaukee in Round 1 against Indiana. Lillard also is likely to miss most, if not all, of the coming season. He will be free to sign with anyone he chooses, and teams could simply sign him now, give him a chance to continue his recovery and do so with hope that the seven-time All-NBA selection is fully ready to go by the start of the 2026–27 season. Turner has averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in his 10 seasons with the Pacers, who had a decision to make this summer about whether to surpass the luxury tax threshold with the knowledge that Haliburton likely cannot play this coming season. Lillard, who turns 35 later this month, has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists in 900 regular-season games over 13 seasons–the first 11 with Portland, the last two with Milwaukee. The Bucks lost Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers when free agency opened Monday.
Arab News
14 hours ago
- Arab News
Most Gulf markets retreat ahead of vote on Trump's tax bill
LONDON: Most stock markets in the Gulf gave up early gains to close lower on Tuesday, as investors booked profits and turned cautious ahead of a US Senate vote on President Donald Trump's landmark tax and spending bill. The proposed legislation, which faces internal Republican opposition, is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the nation's debt pile. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropped 0.4 percent, weighed by a 2.3 percent fall in Saudi Arabian Mining Company. Among other losers, Savola slipped 2.2 percent after announcing its CEO had stepped down by mutual agreement as part of a strategic overhaul. Dubai's main share index eased 0.2 percent, snapping a six-day rally after hitting a 17-year high earlier in the session, hit by a 0.7 percent fall in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties. Meanwhile, Trump continued to pressure the US Federal Reserve, sending Chair Jerome Powell a list of global interest rates with handwritten commentary suggesting US rates should fall between Japan's 0.5 percent and Denmark's 1.75 percent. In Abu Dhabi, the index finished 0.3 percent lower. Oil prices were slightly higher as investors assessed expectations that OPEC+ will announce an output hike for August at an upcoming meeting, as well as trade negotiations. The Qatari index closed 0.5 percent lower, extending losses from the previous session when it ended a six-day winning streak, with all sectors in negative territory. Qatar's economy expanded 3.7 percent in the first quarter, up from 1.5 percent a year earlier, according to government data issued on Tuesday. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index lost 0.5 percent, with Beltone Financial Holding declining 6.7 percent.
