By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After Dubai, Romania’s U-BT Cluj-Napoca also wants to join the AdmiralBet ABA League.
The intentions of the Liga Nationala champions connected to officially requesting entry into the league were reported by Serbian outlet Meridian sport.
The team based in Cluj-Napoca currently competes in the BKT EuroCup, besides the top-tier division of Romania. At 10-4, the team coached by Mihai Silvasan ranks third in Group B of the EuroCup Regular Season. It also carries a perfect 15-0 record in the domestic league.
A private regional league, ABA is no stranger to welcoming teams beyond countries of former Yugoslavia such as Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Earlier in league history, teams from Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, and Israel participated with wildcard invitations. The last appearance dates back to the 2014-15 season behind Hungary’s Szolnoki Olaj. However, the 2024-25 season can feature two teams from other countries.
The connection between ABA and Dubai has been established through a junior tournament. A potential next step would introduce a team directly to the senior level of competition in the regional league. A team from the city of the United Arab Emirates would generate sponsors to cover travel expenses for opponents, but it remains unclear whether the Romanian club would follow a similar path.
The Assembly of the ABA League can approve an expansion behind a unanimous decision from all the members, as noted.
Recent developments confirmed Dubai also seeking a spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net