Dubai Basketball are set to return to their home venue, the Coca-Cola Arena, for the 2025/26 ABA League semi-finals after spending more than two months away from Dubai due to regional instability.
The team will face Budućnost VOLI in a best-of-series matchup beginning Wednesday, May 20, in what is expected to be an emotional homecoming for players and supporters.
Forced relocation during the season
Dubai Basketball were displaced from their home arena for 66 days after regional unrest disrupted sporting activities in the Middle East. During this period, the club was forced to relocate its ABA League and EuroLeague home fixtures to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Home matches, including a EuroLeague clash against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, were played in Sarajevo and Zenica, effectively turning neutral venues into temporary home courts.
Despite the disruption, the team maintained strong performances and finished the regular season at the top of the ABA League standings.
Emotional return to Dubai
Club officials described the return as a significant milestone, both emotionally and competitively, as the team prepares to compete for a place in the ABA League final.
Dejan Kamenjašević, Co-CEO and General Manager of Dubai Basketball, expressed gratitude to supporters, league officials, and host cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their hospitality during the relocation period.
He noted that the club received strong backing from fans, partners, and authorities throughout the challenging stretch of the season.
Focus shifts to semi-final battle
The return to Coca-Cola Arena sets the stage for a high-stakes semi-final series in front of home supporters for the first time in over two months.
Club officials have called on fans to fill the arena and create a strong atmosphere as the team aims to secure a place in the ABA League final.
For Dubai Basketball, the fixture represents not just a sporting contest, but a symbolic return home after a disrupted but resilient campaign.
