Dubai, UAE – September 17, 2024 – Dubai Basketball, the newly-established professional basketball franchise, was officially launched on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone as the first UAE team to compete in Europe’s Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League.
The team is set to make its debut on Sunday, September 22, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the state-of-the-art Coca-Cola Arena, showcased the team’s ambition and commitment to making a significant impact in European basketball.
Founded by UAE entrepreneur Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah in 2023, Dubai Basketball is poised to bring a new level of competition and excitement to the sport in the region.
Historic Debut in the ABA League
Dubai Basketball’s participation in the ABA League represents a groundbreaking achievement for UAE sports.
The ABA League, which features top teams from across Southeast Europe, is renowned for its high level of competition and has seen numerous players transition to major leagues worldwide.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, the General Manager and Co-Founder of Dubai Basketball, expressed his pride and optimism for the club’s future.
“Dubai is one of the best cities in the world and to have created a brand new basketball team from scratch is a very proud moment,” Kamenjasevic said.
“The fact that we are playing in the ABA League tells you everything you need to know about how ambitious we are as a club. We have guys who have played in leagues in Europe, the NBA, and the very top of the sport.”
“To attract these players is a big achievement for the city and our club. We look forward to welcoming the local communities including expats and locals as their support can inspire the team. Together, as a team, we have a chance to do something big.”
Star-Studded Roster and Coaching Staff
The team’s roster includes an impressive lineup of international talent, with players from the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, and Latvia. Notable names include former NBA star Davis Bertans, whose presence adds considerable experience and skill to the squad.
Jurica Golemac, the head coach of Dubai Basketball, is excited about the upcoming season. Golemac, who has won the ABA League Second Division title in 2019 and multiple Slovenian League championships, is eager to lead the team in its debut season.
“As the head coach of Dubai Basketball, I am very much looking forward to the new season ahead later this month,” Golemac said.
“This is a new chapter for the club and having spoken to the management, they outlined ambitious plans for the future which I want to play a part in. We are playing in a fantastic home facility such as Coca-Cola Arena. We are under no illusions of the challenge that we will face in the ABA League but we will do all we can to showcase our best abilities regularly throughout the season and raise the UAE flag high.”
Klemen Prepelic, the team captain, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to his leadership role. “It is a privilege to be named captain of Dubai Basketball for its first-ever season,” Prepelic said.
“It’s a big job that brings a lot of responsibility but one I’m looking forward to. As professionals, we know there will be no easy games but we have a great team spirit and bond which will be crucial in delivering the wins that we want. We will play to our strengths and do everything we can to bring success to Dubai Basketball. Dubai is a great city with fantastic facilities, and we hope to do our fans and country proud.”
Successful Pre-Season Preparations
In preparation for their inaugural ABA League season, Dubai Basketball completed a successful training camp in Slovenia.
The team played four friendly matches, including two victories against KK FMP and BC Nizhny Novgorod. Additionally, they competed in a pre-season tournament in Bosnia, which has helped them fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the season opener.
Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement
Tickets for Dubai Basketball’s games are now available, with options for single-game tickets starting at Dh75 and season passes beginning at Dh1,750.
The season pass offers reserved seating for all 15 regular-season home matches, along with exclusive perks such as meet-and-greet opportunities with players, priority and venue fast-track entry, and early access to live concerts at Coca-Cola Arena.
The team’s first game is set to be a highly anticipated event, with fans eager to witness Dubai Basketball’s debut in the ABA League. The Coca-Cola Arena is expected to be packed with local and international supporters, all eager to see how the new franchise performs on this prestigious stage.
Looking Ahead
As Dubai Basketball embarks on this historic journey, the team’s leadership and players are focused on making a strong impression and achieving success in their debut season.
With a blend of international talent, experienced coaching staff, and strong local support, Dubai Basketball is poised to make a significant impact in European basketball and elevate the sport’s profile in the UAE.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for fans and the team alike, as Dubai Basketball aims to build a legacy of excellence and contribute to the growing popularity of basketball in the region.