https://arab.news/zpvr8
- The event will be held at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena on May 23-25
ABU DHABI: Euroleague Basketball, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and Etihad Arena have signed an agreement to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, for the first time in history. The deal, brokered by the league’s strategic partner IMG, marks a historic expansion of Euroleague Basketball into new global markets.
“I would like to thank the city of Abu Dhabi for showing their confidence in Euroleague Basketball,” said Dejan Bodiroga, president of Euroleague Basketball. “Bringing the Final Four to Abu Dhabi is an ambitious project and a remarkable opportunity to showcase the EuroLeague atmosphere to a new and diverse audience. At the same time, this partnership guarantees our loyal fans a fresh experience in one of the world’s most modern and tourist-friendly cities. Together, we will deliver another top-level event that will elevate the EuroLeague to new heights.”
The decision to bring the Final Four to Abu Dhabi builds on Euroleague Basketball’s strategic ambition to expand into new markets, building on its 25-year legacy of success. By staging the Final Four in a new region, Euroleague Basketball aims to bring its passionate fan experience and Every Game Matters mantra to a broader global audience.
Saood Al-Hosani, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, said: “Abu Dhabi has rapidly become the home for basketball in the Middle East, and we’re excited to welcome Euroleague Basketball to the emirate — and the region — for the very first time. A hub for sporting excellence, Abu Dhabi will offer fans a world-class experience at the Final Four events in Etihad Arena, providing a warm welcome and a diverse range of attractions and experiences in addition to the games themselves. We look forward to Euroleague finding new audiences here in Abu Dhabi and once again demonstrating the destination’s capability to host large-scale international sporting events.”
The Final Four will mark Euroleague Basketball’s second experience in the Middle East, following the successful Adidas NextGen Tournament Qualifier hosted in Dubai last season.
The Etihad Arena, located on Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub of Yas Island, will host the four best teams of the season, who will play in the semifinals on Friday, May 23. The third-place and championship games will be on Sunday, May 25.
“This agreement represents a milestone for the EuroLeague and a significant step in our global growth strategy,” said Paulius Motiejunas, CEO of Euroleague Basketball. “By partnering with Abu Dhabi, we are bringing our most iconic event to a dynamic new environment that offers world-class facilities and a passion for hosting major international sports events.”