The new AdmiralBet ABA League season is poised to kick off with an electrifying Monday night duel as Dubai Basketball hosts Split in the opening game for both teams in the 2025/26 campaign. This highly anticipated match promises an intense showdown in Group A, set to take place at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai at 17:00.
Dubai Basketball is entering the new season with palpable excitement, fresh off a historic debut EuroLeague campaign. Their early performances have been impressive, registering one win and one loss, showcasing a revamped roster that is already proving capable of competing at basketball’s highest echelons. This momentum is a testament to the club’s significant off-season efforts and strategic player acquisitions, positioning them as a major contender in this season’s AdmiralBet ABA League.
Conversely, Split has come into the regional league opener full of confidence, riding a perfect start in their domestic championship with two straight victories. Their early success has built strong momentum and a solid foundation as they look to make their mark in this tougher competition. Split’s resilience and fighting spirit were evident in last season’s encounters against Dubai Basketball, where despite Dubai’s victories, Split pushed both matches to the wire, ensuring a fierce and competitive rivalry.
Dubai Basketball’s new-look squad arguably boasts the most star-studded lineup in the league this year. Notable signings include Džanan Musa, Aleksa Avramović, Dwayne Bacon, and the reigning 2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season MVP, McKinley Wright IV. These impressive additions have injected a new level of skill and experience, dramatically elevating Dubai Basketball’s championship aspirations.
Split, meanwhile, has strengthened its roster with the addition of seasoned veterans like Zoran Dragić, one of Slovenia’s finest, and Leon Radošević, who returns to the team after a stint with Dubai Basketball last season. Their presence adds valuable experience and depth, complementing Split’s traditional emphasis on grit and teamwork.
Fans attending the Monday clash can anticipate a fast-paced, physical game showcasing abundant star power. Both teams are hungry for a victorious start and capable of delivering an intense basketball spectacle.
A key matchup to watch in this game pits two standout guards against each other: McKinley Wright IV of Dubai Basketball and Antonio Jordano of Split. Wright, the recently crowned regular-season MVP, is known for his speed, control, and playmaking ability, which sets a dynamic tempo for Dubai’s offense. His chemistry with stars like Musa and Bacon will be critical in Dubai’s pursuit of domination on the court.
On the opposing side, Antonio Jordano continues to impress as the offensive linchpin for Split. With his reliable shooting and calm under pressure, Jordano is the go-to player when Split needs crucial points, embodying the team’s offensive backbone.
Historically, in ABA League matchups, Dubai Basketball holds a 2:0 advantage over Split, including a 1:0 record in games played on home ground. However, given the evolving rosters and heightened stakes this season, fans can expect a hard-fought battle that could very well defy past trends.
This opening round game at Coca-Cola Arena is more than just a season kickoff—it sets the tone for a thrilling campaign ahead. Basketball enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing high-level competition, strategic playmaking, and moments of brilliance as Dubai Basketball and Split vie for early bragging rights in the 2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League.
