Dubai Basketball have etched their names into sporting history, defeating Partizan 81:83 in Game 4 of the Finals to become the 2025/26 ABA League champions.
In just their second season, Dubai Basketball has achieved what many thought impossible in such a short period of time, becoming the first team representing Dubai and the UAE to win a major international league title.
The historic triumph caps a remarkable eight-month campaign in two leagues in which the team competed against some of Europe’s most established and respected clubs, completing an extraordinary journey from league newcomers to champions.
Founder and Chairman, Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah, commented on the team’s achievement: “When we started this project, our ambition was never simply to build a basketball club. We set out to create a platform that would represent Dubai on the international stage and demonstrate what is possible when vision is matched with commitment. Winning the ABA League title is a landmark achievement for Dubai and the UAE, and a moment that reflects the growing influence of Emirati sport on the global stage.”
“This trophy is a source of pride for everyone who calls the UAE home. It is proof that clubs from our region can compete with and overcome some of the most established teams in Europe. We celebrate this success not only as champions, but as ambassadors of a nation that continues to set new standards, break new ground, and inspire future generations to pursue excellence without limits.”
Dubai Basketball Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, saying: “This title means a lot for a club that is only in its second year of existence. We had a great season and this trophy belongs to everyone who was part of this journey: the players, the coaches and all the staff who contributed along the way. They all played an important role in what we achieved together.”
“It has been a special season because we spent a long period playing away from Dubai, but the team stayed united and kept fighting until the end. We are proud to bring this title to Dubai and the UAE. This is for our fans and for everyone who supported us throughout the season.”
Dubai Basketball’s title-winning campaign was built on consistency and dominance across the season. The Dubai side finished the regular season at the top of the ABA League standings and dominated in the playoffs with an overall 29 wins from 33 games while remaining unbeaten at home throughout the entire season. That home-court advantage proved decisive in the Finals, with Dubai Basketball taking a 2-1 series lead before securing the championship in Belgrade.
The ABA League Finals MVP award was presented to Mfiondu Kabengele, recognising his outstanding impact during the Finals series, contributing an average of 15.75 points across four games.
The title represents an unprecedented moment not only for the team, but for the growth of basketball in the UAE and the wider region.
Backed by unwavering support from fans throughout the season, Dubai Basketball’s championship-winning campaign has inspired a new generation of basketball fans across the country and established a new benchmark for what is possible in UAE sport.
What began as an ambitious vision has become a historic reality. From the opening tip-off of the season to the final buzzer of the Finals, Dubai Basketball demonstrated belief and excellence on their way to delivering one of the most significant achievements in UAE sporting history.