EuroLeague Final Four Locks In Abu Dhabi Return for 2027 and 2029 Seasons

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball have formally announced a multi-year extension to host the EuroLeague Final Four Presented by Experience Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates capital in 2027 and 2029.

Building on the event’s debut host staging in May 2025, the 2027 EuroLeague Final Four will take place at the 12,000-seat Etihad Arena on Yas Island from 28 to 30 May 2027, bringing the top four European club basketball teams to the Middle East to compete for the continental championship.

Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, his Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, highlighted the economic and community impact of securing long-term hosting rights for premier global sports properties.

“The return of the Final Four in 2027 and 2029 reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s partnership with Euroleague Basketball and the emirate’s growing stature as a home for basketball in the region.” 

“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.

“It is this lasting impact, on our economy and on our people, which gives moments such as these their true significance,” Al Geziry said.

Euroleague Basketball president, Dejan Bodiroga, emphasised the success of the initial 2025 staging in demonstrating the competition’s expanding global footprint.

“It is an enormous pleasure to announce that the Final Four will return to Abu Dhabi.”

“I would like to thank Abu Dhabi for its continued support and confidence.

“Together, we delivered one of the best Final Fours in our 26-year history, proving the tremendous global appeal of the EuroLeague experience.

“This new milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to growing basketball and creating unforgettable experiences for our fans,” Bodiroga said.

Detailing how the UAE capital fits into the league’s global commercial expansion, Euroleague Basketball CEO, Chus Bueno, added: “Renewing our commitment with Abu Dhabi for the 2027 and 2029 Final Four editions represents another significant step forward in our international growth strategy.”

“Our model of combining Europe’s traditional basketball markets with global cities that offer world-class facilities, strong tourism appeal and passionate sports communities continues to prove highly successful.

“Abu Dhabi has become a key partner in that vision, and together we will continue bringing European club basketball to the widest possible global audience,” Bueno said. 

The renewed partnership aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategy to secure major international sporting rights, strengthen the domestic visitor economy, and establish the emirate as a primary international hub for professional basketball.

The 2025 event marked a major commercial success for Euroleague Basketball, generating a rapid sell-out at Etihad Arena, where Turkish club Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul claimed the title, while delivering record international broadcast and digital engagement metrics.

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