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Dubai Basketball have officially secured their place in the 2025/26 ABA League Finals after defeating Buducnost VOLI 103:77 in decisive Game 3 of the semi-finals in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The victory sealed a 2-1 series win and marked a historic milestone not only for the team but also for the city of Dubai and the UAE.
In just their second season competing in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball have become the first and only UAE-based team to reach the Finals of one of Europe’s top basketball leagues.
The achievement further cements the team’s status as one of the fastest-rising sports franchises in the region, reflecting its rapid growth, ambitious vision and growing influence on the regional basketball landscape.
It has also become a source of national pride, inspiring fans across the UAE and drawing increasing support with each milestone achieved.
Representing Dubai and the UAE on the European stage, Dubai Basketball have continued to break new ground throughout their journey.
They became the first team from the Gulf region to compete in two European leagues and, with every game, continues to push the boundaries of what regional sport can achieve internationally.
Having taken the early advantage with a Game 1 triumph, Dubai Basketball fell short in the second encounter as their opponents responded strongly to draw the series level, setting up a high-stakes and decisive third game in Zenica with a place in the finals on the line.
Facing one of the league’s most experienced sides, the team responded in dominant fashion to book their place in the finals.
Following the historic victory, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Aleksander Sekulic praised both the team and supporters, saying “First of all, a big thanks to the fans in Zenica who supported us in a very important game, a historical game for the club — the first finals in history. We needed their support.”
“After Game 2, we knew that Buducnost is the team against whom we needed to be really precise in execution and focused, and these are the things we improved from Game 2. We prevailed and deservedly qualified for the finals. For me personally and for the club, this is a big thing, huge, and we can’t wait for the finals to start.”
Dubai Basketball delivered a composed and commanding performance from the opening minutes, taking control early and extending their lead throughout the game.
The team entered halftime with a 54:39 advantage before continuing their momentum in the second half to close out one of the most important victories in club history.
Dzanan Musa paced the scoring with 20 points as Dubai Basketball delivered another dominant team display, with six players finishing in double figures to highlight the depth, versatility and collective strength that have fueled their impressive run this season.
The qualification marks another defining chapter in Dubai Basketball’s rapid rise since the team’s launch, with the team now firmly positioned among the title contenders in the ABA League.
Dubai Basketball’s remarkable debut ABA League campaign will culminate in a showdown with Partizan in the 2026 ABA League Finals, with the regional title to be decided over a best-of-five series that promises a fierce battle between two of the competition’s standout teams.
Holding home court advantage after finishing first in the Top 8 phase, the club will once again carry the hopes of Dubai and the UAE onto the European stage as they continue their pursuit of history.
