Dubai Basketball has made headlines with the signing of former NBA star Davis Bertans ahead of their debut season in Europe’s ABA League. The Latvian forward, who last played for Charlotte Hornets in the 2023-24 season, joins the newly-established professional sports franchise, marking the first UAE team to compete in a major European league. The team is set to kick off their season on September 22 at Coca-Cola Arena against reigning league champions Red Star, with match tickets now on sale.
Bertans’ move to Dubai marks the end of his eight-year NBA career, which included stints with San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets. Throughout his career, Bertans has accumulated multiple league titles and cups, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the Dubai Basketball roster. The team has been preparing for the upcoming season, with Bertans set to join the squad for a friendly tournament in Bosnia before returning to Dubai for further training.
The 31-year-old forward expressed his excitement about joining Dubai Basketball for their inaugural season, praising the competitive roster and lofty ambitions of the club. Head coach Jurica Golemac also emphasized Bertans’ valuable contributions to the team, highlighting his NBA experience and European success. With a strong pre-season campaign behind them, the Dubai Basketball squad is eager to showcase their talent in front of their fans at Coca-Cola Arena.
Tickets for Dubai Basketball’s season opener against Red Star are now available for purchase on the Coca-Cola Arena website, with prices starting at AED 75. Fans can also secure season passes for all 15 regular season home matches, starting at AED 1,750. Golemac emphasized the team’s readiness to compete against the reigning champions and expressed confidence in putting on a performance that fans can be proud of. Dubai Basketball is poised for a historic season in the ABA League, with Bertans’ arrival adding further excitement and anticipation to their journey.
