Abu Dhabi’s partnership with EuroLeague Basketball and Etihad Airways ushers in the 2025–26 season of expansion, excitement and exclusive ES Sport hospitality.
A Strategic Partnership with Global Reach
The announcement of a landmark partnership between EuroLeague Basketball and Etihad Airways, unveiled on 24 September 2025, marks a defining moment for both Abu Dhabi and the world’s premier basketball competition. It is a collaboration that combines the cultural dynamism of the United Arab Emirates with the growing international influence of Europe’s top league.
H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the agreement’s significance:
“This strategic partnership with EuroLeague Basketball and Etihad Airways marks a significant step forward in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global stage and reinforcing its position as a vibrant hub for basketball fans around the world. The impact of sport extends far beyond the court; it drives economic growth by boosting tourism, attracting investment, and enhancing infrastructure for major events. This partnership stands as a key pillar of our Tourism Strategy 2030 – driving visitor growth, supporting economic diversification, and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a preferred global destination for tourism, culture, and sport.”
Expansion of the Competition
The 2025–26 EuroLeague season will be remembered as a turning point in the competition’s history. For the first time, the league will expand to 20 teams, reflecting its ambitions to broaden its reach and deliver new rivalries.
The arrival of Dubai Basketball is especially significant. For the Gulf, it means direct representation at the highest level of European competition. For the EuroLeague, it signals both geographic and cultural expansion.
Paulius Motiejunas, CEO of EuroLeague Basketball, emphasised this:
“We are delighted to announce these partnerships, which embody our ambition to grow the game of basketball and foster meaningful global connections through sport. With Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways joining us, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans while further strengthening the league’s international presence.”
Dubai Basketball: A Landmark Debut
Dubai Basketball’s inclusion represents years of investment in infrastructure and a deliberate push to grow the sport across the Gulf. The club has already established itself domestically, competing in the UAE League, and has attracted international coaching talent and experienced professionals to strengthen its roster. Their entry into the EuroLeague gives them a platform to test themselves against storied clubs such as Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos.
The Gulf region has long embraced basketball at the grassroots level, with school and university competitions drawing large participation. However, until now, the pathway for local players to progress to the highest levels of the game has been limited. Dubai Basketball changes that dynamic. Young players in the UAE can now aspire to represent a club competing against the very best in Europe, while international players see the Gulf as a viable destination for elite basketball.
The club’s ambition also aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy of using sport as a pillar of international engagement. Just as the city has hosted global tennis, golf and football events, its entry into the EuroLeague ensures basketball joins that portfolio. This not only benefits fans in the region but also enhances the EuroLeague’s ability to connect with new markets and audiences.
The team’s first official EuroLeague fixture, Dubai Basketball vs Split on 6 October will be a historic occasion marking the Gulf’s first steps onto the European basketball stage, watched closely by fans, media and stakeholders worldwide.
A Season of Anticipation
The Regular Season tips off on 30 September 2025, but one early fixture stands out: Dubai Basketball vs Split on 6 October. For Split, a historic Croatian club, it is a chance to showcase their pedigree. For Dubai Basketball, it marks their official EuroLeague debut, setting the stage for a season rich in storylines.
The Road to Athens
The 2025–26 EuroLeague season will culminate in the Final Four, held in Athens, Greece, from 22 to 24 May 2026.
Athens is a city steeped in basketball heritage, with clubs such as Panathinaikos and Olympiacos shaping the game’s history. By choosing this venue, the EuroLeague honours the sport’s roots and ensures a passionate, electric atmosphere for its showpiece event.
Abu Dhabi’s Sporting Strategy
Abu Dhabi has become a recognised hub for global sport. From Formula 1’s season finale at Yas Marina to NBA Games, UFC Fight Island and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, the emirate has invested heavily in hosting the best.
The EuroLeague partnership deepens this approach. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, captured the ambition:
“Euroleague represents the pinnacle of European basketball, and we’re excited to support this incredible sporting spectacle alongside our valued partner DCT Abu Dhabi. Through our network, we bring people to Abu Dhabi from across the globe, and this partnership allows us to reach new audiences who share our belief that the best experiences happen when you venture beyond borders.”
The Global Basketball Landscape
Basketball’s international presence continues to grow, and its influence is no longer confined to North America. The NBA remains the most recognisable league, yet the EuroLeague has carved out an equally important role in shaping the sport’s future. What sets the EuroLeague apart is its distinctive style of play, tactical depth, defensive intensity and a strong emphasis on team cohesion. Matches often feature a slower tempo compared with the NBA, but this fosters intricate strategies and rivalries that resonate deeply with European audiences.
The EuroLeague has also built a reputation as a proving ground for world-class talent. Stars such as Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo honed their craft in Europe before becoming NBA superstars, a testament to the league’s ability to develop players of the highest calibre. At the same time, established NBA athletes have increasingly chosen EuroLeague clubs for the competitive environment and passionate fan culture, further bridging the gap between continents.
By expanding into the Gulf, the EuroLeague is not only diversifying its geography but also reinforcing its position as a truly global competition. With new markets, new fan bases and stronger commercial links, the EuroLeague complements the NBA in showcasing basketball as a sport of universal appeal.
ES Sport: Official EuroLeague Hospitality and Tickets
For those who want to experience EuroLeague Basketball at its highest level, ES Sport is proud to be an official agent for the games. Fans can secure exclusive hospitality packages and premium tickets through ES Sport, ensuring the perfect blend of world-class basketball and five-star service.
Whether it is enjoying the intensity of a Regular Season match or witnessing the drama of the Final Four in Athens, ES Sport guarantees unforgettable moments. From luxury lounges to prime seating, these packages represent the ultimate way to experience the EuroLeague.
Book Your EuroLeague Experience with ES Sport
Be part of basketball history as the EuroLeague expands to 20 teams, welcomes Dubai Basketball, and reaches its thrilling conclusion at the Final Four in Athens.
Book your official EuroLeague hospitality and tickets with ES Sport today and secure your place at one of the most exciting seasons in European basketball history.
