The draw for the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League placed defending champions Dubai Basketball in Group B, according to the Emirates News Agency. The official ABA League website lists the other teams in the group as Bosna BH Telecom, Mega Superbet, Partizan Mozzart Bet, Perspektiva Ilirija, SC Derby, Spartak Office Shoes and U-BT Cluj-Napoca. This competitive pool will challenge the UAE club as it seeks to retain its title. The placement sets up a series of key matchups throughout the regular season phase.
BasketNews reported that the league is expanding to 20 teams for the new campaign following Dubai Basketball’s victory over Partizan in the previous finals. The club claimed its first ABA League title by winning the series 3-1. Such success in just its second or third season highlights the rapid integration of the Middle Eastern side into the traditionally Balkan competition. League officials have welcomed the growth as a step toward greater international appeal.
Dubai Basketball first joined the ABA League in the 2024-25 season, obtaining a three-year license as the competition’s first participant from outside Europe. According to the ABA League’s overview, the team quickly adapted and reached the playoffs in its debut campaign. By the 2025/26 season, it had emerged as the dominant force, finishing atop the standings in its group. This trajectory has elevated the profile of basketball in the United Arab Emirates.
The league itself traces its origins to 2001 and has grown to become a major platform for clubs from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its decision to incorporate teams from Romania, Austria and now with deeper involvement from the UAE reflects ongoing efforts to expand. In the 2025/26 season, the format featured two groups of nine before the increase to 20 clubs this year. The group stage will be followed by knockout rounds leading to the championship series.
All home games for Dubai Basketball take place at Coca-Cola Arena, a venue with seating for up to 17,000 fans. The modern facility has become a hub for the team’s matches against European opponents. Strong attendance has been a feature since the club’s entry into the league. This support base is expected to play a role in the upcoming season’s home fixtures against Group B adversaries.
Recent signings such as American guard Davion Mintz and French Championship MVP Elie Okobo have strengthened the roster for the new season, the club has indicated. Additional experienced coaches have joined the staff of head coach Xavi Pascual. These moves aim to ensure the team remains competitive in a larger league field. The group draw provides a clear roadmap for the start of the campaign in October.
