After 66 days of playing every "home" fixture abroad, the Dubai Basketball homecoming is officially on. The club confirmed that its ABA League semi-final series against Budućnost VOLI opens on Wednesday, May 20 at Coca-Cola Arena. Registration is live right now — this is one you do not want to sit out.
Why Dubai Basketball Had to Leave
Regional unrest that began in February 2026 forced Dubai Basketball to relocate every one of its ABA League and EuroLeague home fixtures to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first relocated game was a EuroLeague matchup against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on March 12. From that point, the team played nine consecutive "home" fixtures in Sarajevo and Zenica — two full months of competing at the highest level of European basketball with no home-court advantage and no Dubai crowd in the stands.
The club, which made its EuroLeague debut in the 2025/26 season, entered this stretch as one of the most exciting new names in European basketball. The disruption did nothing to slow that down.
How the Team Handled Two Months Away
Dubai Basketball stayed focused throughout. The squad finished the ABA League regular season at the top of the standings — making this homecoming moment all the more significant for the club and its supporters.
Co-CEO and General Manager Dejan Kamenjaševič acknowledged the difficulty of the period and credited fans, partners, the ABA League, and local authorities for keeping the club on track. He also singled out the people of Sarajevo and Zenica, and KK Bosna specifically, for the hospitality shown to players, staff, and their families during the relocation.
"We are very happy and grateful to finally return home to Dubai after more than two months away," Kamenjaševič said.
Dubai Basketball Homecoming at Coca-Cola Arena, May 20
The Dubai Basketball homecoming is confirmed at Coca-Cola Arena. Local authorities, ABA League officials, and both clubs coordinated to lock in the venue for the semi-final series. The arena, with a capacity of 15,000, will host the opener on May 20.
Dubai Basketball is calling on fans to pack the venue and create an atmosphere that matches the weight of the moment. This is not a regular-season game. The ABA League title is at stake, and the city's team is playing for it at home.
Coca-Cola Arena has been Dubai's premier sports venue this season, hosting both ABA League and EuroLeague matchups since the club's home schedule launched. May 20 will be the most anticipated night of the season.
What to Expect on Game Night
The semi-final format means this is a series, not a single game. The opening game at Coca-Cola Arena sets the tone for the entire playoff run. With Dubai Basketball finishing first in the regular-season standings, the squad returns with momentum and home-court advantage for the first time in 66 days.
Fans who attended home games this season already know what Coca-Cola Arena looks like on a big night. For the homecoming game, expect it to be louder.
How to Register for the Dubai Basketball Homecoming
Registration is live now. Head to dubaibasketball.com or tap the link in Dubai Basketball's [Instagram]( bio to sign up for access. General ticket details will follow, but registering early secures your spot in the queue.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai - Match: Dubai Basketball vs Budućnost VOLI - Competition: ABA League Semi-Finals 2025/26 - Register: dubaibasketball.com
Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball has had one of the fastest rises in European club basketball. This is a team in its debut EuroLeague season, finishing first in the ABA League standings despite two months away from its home court. The Dubai Basketball homecoming on May 20 is not the end of the story — it is the start of the most important stretch yet.
Register now, and be in the arena when it happens.
