Big changes are on the horizon for European basketball in the future, with much public discussion focused on the Dubai project.
Many clubs, agents, and organizations have attempted to use Dubai in the past period as a means to pursue their interests through the media. Therefore, Basketball Sphere has decided to investigate the plans and ambitions of Dubai in European basketball.
The first piece of information that the Basketball Sphere editorial team uncovered was that Dubai has not reached an agreement with any player who has been mentioned in the media as a potential signing. All stories about multimillion-euro transfers are false.
According to Basketball Sphere sources, Dubai’s budget for the first season will be around 12.000.000 euros. This information automatically contradicts all claims that Dubai was targeting EuroLeague superstars for the upcoming season.
The business model as the essence
Given that Dubai is just preparing to debut in European basketball, it is almost certain that they will compete in the EuroCup during their first season. They will seek a place in the EuroLeague after one year (2025/2026). Of course, there is a possibility of a different scenario, but the chances of it happening at this moment are considerably lower.
We come to the conclusion that Dubai has a clearly defined multi-year operational plan. This applies both on the court and regarding a sustainable business model. We won’t see an example of a club entering European basketball to ‘buy’ the best available players with ‘Arab money’ and then dominate for years.
It should be noted that the club will be managed by basketball related individuals born in the territory of the former Yugoslavia.
A helping hand
In comparison to football, the Dubai project resembles more closely what Newcastle United is doing rather than the case with Paris Saint-Germain. Apart from plans related to the basketball court, Dubai is ready to offer Europe an efficient multi-year business model, which includes expanding its network to numerous European leagues (including the ABA League). This could potentially open up the possibility of overall stabilization of European basketball.
According to our sources, there was never a plan to create a ‘league of rich clubs’. On the contrary, the essence is offering a helping hand to clubs willing to turn a new page in their operations and functioning.
You can read more about the topic of the business model and changes in the structure of the EuroLeague on our website next week.
Partizan and Crvena Zvezda remain ‘secure’
In addition to participating in European competitions, Dubai has chosen the ABA League as a place to further develop its brand and player roster. As Basketball Sphere learns, Dubai didn’t necessarily have to be part of a European league to participate in the EuroLeague or EuroCup. This clearly sends a message to Crvena Zvezda and Partizan that their places in the EuroLeague are not and will not be jeopardized. Therefore, Dubai will already secure its place in the EuroLeague or EuroCup.
Dubai would further develop through the ABA League, building its brand and representing itself in the best possible way to basketball fans across Europe. Rivals from the ABA League would be provided with special benefits when they come to play away games. Long journeys, at least from a financial standpoint, should not pose a problem for any of the clubs.
Through its participation, Dubai would aim to further open up the market for the ABA League and potentially attract sponsors who would greatly stabilize the functioning of the competition. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Dubai’s participation in the ABA League would not change anything regarding the European ambitions of clubs from the region, as there would be no possibility of jeopardizing them.
Dubai focuses on the common interest
Also, Dubai aims to stimulate the development of the ABA League in numerous ways, focusing on conditions to retain the most talented players from the former Yugoslav countries within the league. There is no doubt that in the future, Dubai could serve as an important link between the regional league and the EuroLeague/EuroCup.
This suggests that the credibility of the ABA League at all levels could significantly increase and become more serious. By establishing a stable business model, basketball in the region, as well as in Europe, could undoubtedly be given a ‘new life’.
We can conclude that Dubai is not coming to Europe with an unlimited budget. Like other clubs, it will be compelled to invest wisely to develop a successful system. It is clear that there is a predefined business model that applies to both the club and the league, as well as its perspective.
About the implementation of a business model aimed at turning a financially non-profitable league into a profitable and sustainable one, you will be able to in the article that will be published on the Basketball Sphere next week.