By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The adidas NextGen EuroLeague Qualifier Abu Dhabi has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure, Euroleague Basketball announced on Saturday.
Following the sudden halt, league officials and local event organizers are actively monitoring the situation to determine if conditions will allow the youth tournament to safely resume.
Official updates regarding the competition’s status will be disseminated as soon as new information is verified.
As a vital platform for elite U18 talent, the NextGen series remains a top priority for the league. Euroleague Basketball has expressed a firm commitment to completing the qualifying phase if the current evaluation proves favorable, ensuring that these young athletes have the opportunity to compete for a prestigious spot in the post-season.
The tournament originally tipped off on Friday with an eight-team field. The lineup featured the junior squads of Aris, AS Monaco, Dubai, London Lions, Real Madrid, Valencia, and Zalgiris, alongside a selection team. The event was initially scheduled to reach its conclusion on Sunday.
Competition was fierce through Rounds 1 and 2. Madrid emerged as the early frontrunner in Group A with a perfect 2-0 record. Meanwhile, Group B saw a deadlock at the top, with both Zalgiris and the NextGen Abu Dhabi host team securing two victories apiece before the suspension was enacted.
The eventual winner in Abu Dhabi is slated to join Cedevita Olimpija, the winner of the Ulm qualifier, in the 2026 NextGen Finals. The winners of the upcoming Bologna and Belgrade rounds, a select team, and three wild cards will follow to the championship tournament in Athens this May.