Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, today announced that Dubai Basketball Club has been selected to compete in the EuroLeague, one of the world's leading top-tier professional basketball competitions, from the 2025-26 season.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement highlights Dubai's growing prominence in the global sports arena. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor emphasized the commitment of the Dubai Sports Council to support local clubs in reaching new milestones and creating opportunities for athletes to compete internationally.
Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball Club has quickly demonstrated its capability against top-tier domestic and international teams. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor remarked on the club's rapid progress and its ability to compete with elite teams. The club's entry into the EuroLeague is expected to strengthen the competition while inspiring athletes in the UAE to aim for international success.
The club boasts a diverse roster of players from countries such as the UAE, the Philippines, the United States, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Trkiye, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France, all guided by FIBA-licensed coaches.
The EuroLeague's decision to expand to 20 teams aligns with its strategy to increase fixtures, intensify rivalries, and attract new audiences. Dubai Basketball Club will participate in 38 regular-season games, hosting matches at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The club will compete alongside international giants like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Fenerbah§e. The EuroLeague has a global television audience exceeding 300 million viewers annually, highlighting the competition's significant reach.
Earlier, during the 2024-25 season, Dubai Basketball Club made its debut in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, advancing to the semi-finals against teams from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and the UAE, showcasing its preparedness for elite continental competition.