Dubai Basketball to return home after 66-day relocation for ABA League semifinals

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball will finally return home to Coca-Cola Arena for the 2025-26 ABA League semifinals after spending 66 days away, marking an emotional homecoming for the team and fans.

The semifinal series against Buducnost VOLI will begin on Wednesday, May 20, as the team return with a title to be won and history to be created.

Since regional unrest began in February, Dubai Basketball were forced to relocate all ABA League and EuroLeague home fixtures to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Beginning with the team’s EuroLeague clash against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on March 12, they played nine home games between Sarajevo and Zenica, turning the away arenas into temporary homes.

Despite the disruption, the team remained united throughout the relocation, finishing the ABA League Regular Season on top of the table.

In coordination with local authorities, ABA League officials, and both participating teams, Dubai Basketball have confirmed that the semifinals will return to Coca-Cola Arena.

Dejan Kamenjasevic, co-CEO and general manager of Dubai Basketball, said: “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 added: “We also want to sincerely thank the people of Sarajevo and Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 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