Dubai Basketball make history, clinch ABA League title with win over Partizan

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 across two highly competitive leagues, during which Dubai Basketball went head-to-head with some of Europe’s most established, decorated and respected clubs.

Entering the season as newcomers, the team embraced the challenge of competing at the highest level, consistently demonstrating resilience, ambition and a relentless desire to succeed against opponents with decades of experience and tradition.

Dubai Basketball Head Coach Aleksander Sekulic 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 in recognition of his outstanding performances and decisive influence throughout the championship series. A dominant presence on both ends of the court, Kabengele played a pivotal role in Dubai Basketball’s historic title-winning campaign, consistently delivering when the stakes were at their highest.

Across the four-game Finals series, Kabengele averaged 15.75 points per game, combining scoring efficiency with relentless energy, leadership and composure under pressure. Time and again, he provided crucial contributions in key moments, helping his team maintain momentum and overcome one of the toughest challenges of the season.

The title represents an unprecedented moment not only for the team but also 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 now become a historic reality. From the opening tip-off of the season to the final buzzer of the championship, Dubai Basketball transformed belief into achievement, delivering a campaign that will be remembered as a landmark moment in UAE sporting history.

Built on determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence, the team defied expectations throughout its journey, overcoming challenges and rising to every occasion.

With each victory, Dubai Basketball strengthened their place among the region’s elite, inspiring fans and showcasing the growing stature of the sport in the UAE.

Their remarkable success is more than just a title-winning story; it is a testament to the power of ambition, unity and vision. By turning a bold dream into reality, Dubai Basketball has not only etched its name into the record books but has also set a new benchmark for sporting achievement in the country, creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike.