In a spectacular move for international sports, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and EuroLeague Basketball have officially announced the launch of the EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup. This brand-new, highly anticipated competition will officially open the European club basketball season, transforming Abu Dhabiinto the undisputed epicenter of global hoops this September.
A Premium Tournament on Yas Island
Set to take place at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Yas Island on the 18th and 19th of September 2026, hosting the very first edition in Abu Dhabi underscores the emirate’s rapidly growing stature as an elite international sports destination. The EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup creates a premium annual event that not only showcases top-tier European club basketball but also significantly expands the league’s global footprint beyond traditional borders.
Full-event package tickets for the 2026 EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup are already on sale on the Etihad Arena website. This gives eager fans from across the Middle East and Europe the ultimate opportunity to secure their seats for a historic, two-day basketball festival that promises unforgettable courtside action.
Four Elite Clubs, One Historic Trophy
The inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup will bring together an incredible roster of four elite clubs, ensuring high-octane action and fierce on-court rivalries. The star-studded lineup features the reigning EuroLeague champion Olympiacos Piraeus, the 2025 EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, the 2026 finalist Real Madrid, and the UAE’s very own Dubai Basketball, stepping up to represent the host nation on a massive international stage.
Following a thrilling Final Four format, the tournament guarantees two blockbuster games each day. The intense action kicks off on Friday, 18th September, as Olympiacos Piraeus takes on Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul at 18:00 GST, followed immediately by Dubai Basketball facing off against the legendary titans of Real Madrid at 21:00 GST. The drama concludes on Saturday, 19th September, featuring a high-stakes third-place matchup at 18:00 GST, leading up to the first-ever Euro league Basketball SuperCup Final at 21:00 GST.
Leadership Voices on a Landmark Partnership
This dynamic, fast-paced event represents the thrilling next chapter in the long-term, highly successful partnership between Euroleague Basketball and DCT Abu Dhabi, brokered strategically by IMG.
Emphasizing the immense value of bringing this competition to the UAE capital, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated:
“The first edition of the Euroleague Basketball SuperCup is another milestone in Abu Dhabi’s long-term partnership with Euroleague Basketball and reflects our shared ambition to grow the game while creating world-class experiences for fans. Bringing four elite clubs to Abu Dhabi to open the new season further strengthens the emirate’s position as a global destination for elite sporting events, while generating lasting value for our visitor economy, local businesses and communities.”
Adding to this powerful sentiment, Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball, praised the host city’s outstanding infrastructure, hospitality, and forward-thinking vision:
“The launch of the Euroleague Basketball SuperCup marks an exciting new chapter for European club basketball. We are delighted to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi for the inaugural edition of this competition… Abu Dhabi has demonstrated a strong commitment to basketball and to delivering exceptional international sporting events, making it the ideal stage for this new competition.”
Furthermore, Chus Bueno, CEO of Euroleague Basketball, highlighted the strategic importance of the tournament’s launch for the sport’s ongoing global evolution:
“The Euroleague Basketball SuperCup reflects our ambition to continue innovating and expanding the reach of European club basketball. Launching this new competition in Abu Dhabi enables us to engage new audiences while providing fans, clubs and partners with a premium event that showcases the very best of our sport.”
As the official countdown to September begins, the Euroleague Basketball SuperCup promises to become a permanent flagship fixture on the international calendar, firmly cementing Abu Dhabi as a premier global hub for sporting excellence and entertainment.
