New UAE Franchise Embarks on ABA League Journey, Uniting the Nation with Ambitious Goals and Star Power
Dubai Basketball Sets the Stage for a Historic European Debut
Dubai Basketball, the UAE’s newly established professional basketball team, is poised for a historic season as they prepare to make their debut in Europe’s Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League. The team, founded by UAE entrepreneur Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah in 2023, officially launched on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an ambitious chapter for the franchise and the city.
The team’s inaugural season kicks off this Sunday, September 22, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, where fans can purchase game tickets and season passes to witness the action firsthand. The launch event highlighted the team’s aspirations and showcased their commitment to elevating Dubai’s presence on the international basketball stage.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Dubai Basketball’s roster is a blend of international talent, featuring former NBA star Davis Bertans and players from various countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, and Latvia. This diverse lineup brings a wealth of experience from top European leagues and the NBA, underscoring the team’s competitive edge.
General Manager and Co-Founder, Dejan Kamenjasevic, expressed pride in the team’s creation and ambitious goals. “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. “Playing in the ABA League reflects our ambition and the high level of talent we’ve attracted. We’re excited to engage both expats and locals, and we believe our team spirit will drive us to achieve great things.”
Leadership and Vision
Head Coach Jurica Golemac, a seasoned leader with titles from the ABA League and the Slovenian League, is eager to guide the team through its debut season. “This is a new chapter for the club, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” Golemac stated. “We’re aware of the challenges in the ABA League, but we’re committed to showcasing our abilities and representing the UAE with pride.”
Club Captain Klemen Prepelic, a veteran with multiple titles to his name, is honored to lead the team. “Being named captain is a significant responsibility, and I’m excited to contribute to our success,” Prepelic said. “We have a strong team spirit and are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Our goal is to make Dubai proud and deliver wins for our fans.”
Pre-Season Success and Fan Engagement
Ahead of their league opener against Serbia’s Red Star, Dubai Basketball completed a successful pre-season, including a training camp in Slovenia and friendly matches against KK FMP and BC Nizhny Novgorod. The team’s preparation is aimed at ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level.
Fans can now secure their tickets and season passes to support Dubai Basketball throughout the 2024/25 season. Ticket prices start from Dh75, while season passes are available from Dh1,750, offering reserved seating for all 15 regular-season home games, exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with players, priority venue entry, and pre-sale access to live concerts at Coca-Cola Arena.
Dubai Basketball’s debut season is not only a milestone for the team but also a celebration of Dubai’s growing prominence in the global sports arena. As the franchise embarks on this historic journey, they aim to unite the UAE under the banner of basketball, fostering inclusivity and showcasing the city’s vibrant spirit on the European stage.
