Dubai Basketball is set to make an emotional return to Coca-Cola Arena for the 2025-26 ABA League semifinals after a 66-day absence. The team will face Buducnost VOLI in a best-of-three series beginning Wednesday, May 20, with a championship title and historic achievement at stake.
Relocation Due to Regional Unrest
Since regional unrest erupted in February, Dubai Basketball was forced to relocate all ABA League and EuroLeague home fixtures to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team played nine home games across Sarajevo and Zenica, starting with a EuroLeague clash against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on March 12. Despite the upheaval, the squad remained united and finished the ABA League Regular Season at the top of the standings.
Coordination for Return
In collaboration with local authorities, ABA League officials, and both competing teams, Dubai Basketball confirmed that the semifinals will be held at their home venue. Dejan Kamenjasevic, co-CEO and general manager of Dubai Basketball, expressed gratitude: "We are very happy and grateful to finally return home to Dubai after more than two months away. It has been a challenging period for everyone involved with the club, but throughout this time we felt incredible support from the chairman, our fans, partners, the ABA League, the Euroleague, and the local authorities who helped make this return possible."
He also thanked the people of Sarajevo and Zenica for their hospitality: "We also want to sincerely thank the people of Sarajevo and Zenica for welcoming us and making us feel at home during this period. Their support meant a lot to our players, staff, and families. A special thank you as well to KK Bosna for their collaboration, hospitality, and support throughout these past months."
Symbol of Resilience
The return to Coca-Cola Arena is more than just another game; it represents resilience and the unifying power of sport. Dubai Basketball aims to create history by winning the ABA League title in front of their home crowd, turning a challenging season into a triumphant homecoming.
