Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi will host the EuroLeague Final Four again in 2027 and 2029, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball confirmed on Tuesday.
The announcement follows the emirate’s successful debut staging of the tournament in May 2025 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The 2027 edition, presented by Experience Abu Dhabi, is scheduled for May 28 and 30, returning the Europe's premier club basketball showpiece to the UAE capital.
Aletihad reported in May 2025 that Abu Dhabi’s inaugural hosting formed part of a three-event commitment spread across five years. The confirmation of 2027 and 2029 further cements the emirate’s place on the European basketball map.
Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the renewed commitment underlined the strength of the partnership and Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a regional basketball hub.
“The value of events of this scale extends well beyond the court: they attract investment, create jobs and support local businesses, while inspiring a new generation of players and fans across our communities,” he said.
EuroLeague Basketball president Dejan Bodiroga described the 2025 event as one of the best in the competition’s 26-year history and thanked Abu Dhabi for its continued confidence.
Chief executive Chus Bueno added that the arrangement formed part of the league’s strategy of pairing traditional European markets with global cities offering world-class facilities and strong tourism appeal.
The Final Four is the climax of the EuroLeague season. The four highest-ranked teams from the regular campaign meet over a single weekend. Semi-finals are contested on the Friday, with the winners advancing to the championship game on the Sunday.
The 2025 Final Four sold out within hours and set audience and engagement records. Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul claimed the title before a capacity crowd of 12,000.
The programme also features the adidas NextGen EuroLeague Final, which showcases the leading under-18 sides in European basketball.
