Dubai Basketball Club Joins EuroLeague from 2025-26

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, has shared exciting news: Dubai Basketball Club will compete in the EuroLeague starting from the 2025-26 season. The EuroLeague is one of the most popular and respected basketball tournaments in the world.

His Highness said, “Dubai is confidently growing as a strong global name in sports.” He also added that the Dubai Sports Council will continue to help clubs reach new goals and give talented players chances to shine on the biggest world stages.

Dubai Basketball Club’s Fast Rise

Dubai Basketball Club was started in 2023, and in just two years, it has shown that it can play against top teams, both in the UAE and internationally. His Highness said, “In only two years, the club has shown it can stand with the best in the world.”

He believes that joining the EuroLeague will make the tournament even more exciting and will also inspire many young athletes in the UAE to follow their dreams and play internationally.

A Team from All Over the World

Dubai Basketball Club has a diverse team with players from many countries. Some of the players come from the UAE, the Philippines, the United States, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Türkiye, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. All players are trained by experienced FIBA-licensed coaches, which means they have top-level coaching support.

EuroLeague Entry and What It Means

The EuroLeague is adding more teams, growing to 20 clubs as part of its future plans. The goal is to have more matches, build stronger team rivalries, and bring in new fans from around the world. As part of this, Dubai Basketball Club will play 38 regular-season games. These games will be held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, giving fans a chance to watch top basketball in their home city.

In this league, Dubai will play against some of the world’s most famous basketball teams, like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahçe. The EuroLeague is watched by more than 300 million people every year on TV, which shows how big and well-known the competition is.

Strong Performance in ABA League

Before joining the EuroLeague, Dubai Basketball Club played in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League during the 2024-25 season. The team did very well, reaching the semi-finals, and played against 16 teams from countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and the UAE. This strong performance showed that the team is ready for top-level competitions in Europe.

A Big Step for UAE Sports

Dubai Basketball Club’s entry into the EuroLeague is a proud moment for the UAE. It shows how the country is becoming a big name in global sports. It also gives hope and motivation to young players who dream of playing on the world stage.

With support from the Dubai Sports Council and the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor, the future of sports in Dubai looks bright. The club’s journey to the EuroLeague is not just about playing basketball — it's about inspiring a new generation of champions.