By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following an official update on the next home game in the Playoffs of the 2025-26 edition of the AdmiralBet ABA League, Dubai has confirmed a joint decision to relocate the Semifinals Game 1 matchup against Buducnost VOLI to Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The team shared additional details on Monday, including projections on the plan to return home fixtures to Dubai.
Per the press release: “Following several meetings held over the past few days between Dubai Basketball, the ABA League and Budućnost VOLI, it has been decided that the team will play the ABA League semi-finals in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Due to the recent geopolitical events in the region, the first game of the semi-finals series between Dubai Basketball and Budućnost VOLI will not be played at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai as initially planned. Over the past few days, the club worked together with all parties involved to explore the possibility of returning to the United Arab Emirates for the series, but it was ultimately decided that the game would be played in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition, the game date has been changed, and instead of being played on May 20, the match will now take place on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM at Arena Husejin Smajlović in Zenica.
Following the games on May 21 and May 25, and May 28 if a third game is necessary, the team will return to Dubai.
Dubai Basketball regrets not being able to reunite with its fans in Dubai yet. The club will continue working towards bringing games back to the city in anticipation of our potential qualification for the finals.
Dubai Basketball regrets not being able to reunite with its fans in Dubai yet, but the club will continue working towards bringing games back to the city as soon as possible. Fans can register here to stay updated on Dubai Basketball’s return: https://dubaibasketball.com/homecoming/”
This neutral-site postseason relocation mirrors the end of the club’s inaugural 2025–26 EuroLeague campaign, where regional security mandates forced them to finish their season away from Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, ultimately placing just one spot shy of the Play-In Showdown.
Despite these venue disruptions, the front office is aggressively planning for the 2026–27 season with top-tier candidates between a new head coach and players emerging as potential signings.