Dubai Basketball announces Coca-Cola Arena as home venue

Newly established sports franchise, Dubai Basketball, has announced the Coca-Cola Arena as its home venue.

The agreement paves the way for the introduction of international professional basketball to the city, via Dubai Basketball, which aims to break into the EuroLeague, one of the top echelons of the sport.

Envisioned by its chairman and owner Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah, the team’s initial foray will be in the 16-member ABA (Adriatic) League, which will set in motion a series of events that will bring European stars to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

"As a beacon of entertainment and sports excellence, the 15,000 capacity Coca-Cola Arena aligns with Dubai Basketball's commitment to delivering world-class experiences to fans across the region. This partnership allows us to create unforgettable experiences for our fans and showcase the best global basketball talent in a world-class facility," said Salem bin Dasmal, President of Dubai Basketball.

While the Dubai club will be playing their ABA League matches away in Europe, the emirate will see top-class action during the home legs.

All the 15 teams in the league will come to Dubai, allowing fans to watch some of the continent’s prominent names in action at the Coca-Cola Arena during the nine-month season.

The first games of the ABA League are set to start in September 2024. A full schedule of games will be announced later this month, with more information on the team, tickets, and official Dubai Basketball merchandise.

Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena, said, "The opportunity to build the ultimate home court for our players, our fans, and our incredible city is an absolute honour. Coca-Cola Arena's integration with Dubai Basketball will change the game and Dubai’s sport culture in every sense."

By playing in the 2024-25 season of the ABA League, Dubai Basketball plans to get a toehold in the EuroLeague, apart from helping build an identity for an enduring fan connection.

Other activities include organising the EuroLeague SuperCup and Sports Business Summit, which will help it elevate its international presence.

In subsequent years, Dubai Basketball will attempt to raise its competitive position. This is expected to boost game attendance and provide wider reach. It will be followed by a transformative phase, which includes striving for a top-10 qualification in the EuroLeague.

Dubai Basketball has appointed Jurica Golemac as the head coach of the team. A seasoned basketball professional with a wealth of experience both as a player and coach, Golemac is set to bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the team.

The franchise is also in the process of laying the foundations of a youth programme with an eye on a future date with the EuroLeague. This involves creating a club structure, ensuring compliance with EuroLeague conditions and commitments, and preparing to launch its flagship project: the Regional League.