DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have secured their place in the 2025-26 ABA League Finals, defeating Buducnost VOLI 103:77 in the decisive third semifinal game in Zenica on Thursday.
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 in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball have become the first UAE-based team to reach the finals of one of Europe’s top basketball leagues. The achievement cements the team’s status as one of the fastest-rising sports franchises in the region and a growing source of national pride for fans.
Dubai Basketball were the first team from the Gulf region to compete in two European leagues and, with every game, continue to push the boundaries of what regional sport can achieve internationally.
After winning Game 1 of the semifinals series, Dubai Basketball fell short in the second game to set up the decisive third in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite facing one of the league’s most experienced sides, the team took a dominant victory to book their place in the finals.
Dubai Basketball’s head coach, Aleksander Sekulic, praised both the team and supporters: “First of all, a big thanks to the fans in Zenica who supported us in a very important game, a historic game for the club — the first finals in history. We needed their support,” he said.
“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 early control and extending their lead throughout the game. The team entered halftime with a 54-39 advantage before continuing their momentum in the second half.
Dzanan Musa led the scoring with 20 points, while six Dubai Basketball players finished in double digits in a display that reflected the team’s depth and collective strength.
The finals qualification marks another defining chapter in the team’s rapid rise, positioning them firmly among the ABA League’s title contenders.
Dubai Basketball now face Partizan in a best-of-five finals series. Holding home court advantage after finishing first in the Top 8 phase, the club will again carry the hopes of Dubai and the UAE onto the European stage in pursuit of victory.
