Dubai Basketball's EuroLeague Vision: Building a Global Powerhouse
Dubai Basketball, a new franchise with eyes set on the prestigious EuroLeague, is making strides to bring international basketball to the Middle East. The team's journey begins with their debut in the ABA (Adriatic) League, a step designed to pave the way for future EuroLeague participation. The franchise is gearing up for its inaugural season by appointing a head coach and recruiting a diverse, international roster. This initiative aims to attract European basketball stars to Dubai's Coco-Cola Arena.
The Vision of Dubai Basketball
Dubai Basketball is a franchise aspiring to compete at the highest level in the EuroLeague. Their immediate objective is to establish themselves in the ABA League, with long-term plans to regularly participate in the EuroLeague. The organization is committed to nurturing a basketball culture in Dubai, fostering a dedicated fan base, and developing local talent through a robust club structure and state-of-the-art training facilities.
Key Figures Behind Dubai Basketball
Abdulla Al Naboodah: Founder, known for his significant contributions to UAE sports, including roles with Al Ahli Club and the Dubai Sports Council.
Salem Bin Dasmal: President, a CPA and sports enthusiast with a background in football and tennis.
Djordje Djokovic: Vice-President and CEO, a former tennis player with a strong background in wealth management and sports administration.
Dejan Kamenjasevic: General Manager and Co-Founder, a FIBA-certified coach with over 20 years of experience in European basketball.
Strategic Roadmap to EuroLeague
Dubai Basketball's strategy involves creating a solid foundation with youth programs and a club structure that aligns with EuroLeague standards. Their participation in the ABA League during the 2024-25 season is a critical step towards establishing their presence in European basketball. Future plans include hosting significant events like the EuroLeague SuperCup and a Sports Business Summit to enhance their international profile.
Building a Competitive Team
The franchise is assembling a team of top-tier players from around the world, including American and European athletes. They aim to create a diverse roster that includes players from various communities, such as Filipino, Lebanese, and Chinese talents. This blend of youth and experience is intended to make Dubai Basketball competitive against Europe's best teams.
Sustainable Growth and Business Model
Dubai Basketball is also focused on developing a sustainable business model to support the club's future and promote basketball in the region. The goal is to create an ecosystem that benefits not only Dubai Basketball but also other European clubs by fostering a profitable and widely shared product.
Increasing Regional Popularity
The popularity of basketball in the region is evident with events like NBA pre-season games in Abu Dhabi and the participation of expatriate communities in the sport. Dubai Basketball aims to leverage this interest to expand the EuroLeague's market and enhance the sport's presence in both the GCC and Europe.
Long-Term Vision and Grassroots Development
The creation of Dubai Basketball has been a long-term project. The privately owned club, led by Al Naboodah, Bin Dasmal, Djokovic, and Kamenjasevic, has been planning to develop the sport at the grassroots level. Their focus is on creating a competitive team and cultivating a culture of basketball in Dubai that resonates with the community.
Success of the Youth Academy
Dubai Basketball's academy, which engages over 600 children, highlights their commitment to youth development. The academy's participation in the Next Generation Tournament at the Coca-Cola Arena drew significant attendance and inspired many children to take up the sport, furthering the franchise's mission to instill a love for basketball in the region.
Conclusion
Dubai Basketball is on a mission to bring European basketball to the Middle East, fostering a new era of sports culture in Dubai. Their journey, marked by strategic planning, international recruitment, and community engagement, aims to establish Dubai as a significant hub for basketball. Each step they take is a move towards their ultimate goal of competing in the EuroLeague and becoming a prominent brand in Dubai's sporting landscape.