Euroleague ratifies Abu Dhabi without changes

The EuroLeague issued a statement on Friday to clear up any uncertainty regarding the schedule and development of the first edition of the SuperCup. After information circulated in several European media outlets suggesting possible changes to the competition, the organization decided to speak clearly and directly, confirming that the tournament will take place in Abu Dhabi as originally planned, without alterations to dates or format.

In its official note, EuroLeague Basketball emphasized its firm commitment to making the SuperCup a significant event in the European basketball calendar. The organization assured that it remains focused on providing the best continental basketball through this new competition, offering a quality experience to teams, players, and fans. The statement aims to convey certainty to all parties involved in the tournament and confirm that preparations are progressing as planned.

The format and the participants of Abu Dhabi

The SuperCup will gather four teams at the Etihad Arena in a Final Four format that promises high-level matches. Olympiacos participates as the reigning champion of the previous competition, while Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul arrives as the 2025 champion. Real Madrid presents itself as the 2026 finalist and holds the status of the all-time winner with eleven titles in its portfolio. Completing the quartet is Dubai Basketball, representing the emirates in this continental event.

The game schedule has been confirmed with precision. The semifinals will take place on Friday, September 18: the match between Olympiacos and Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul is set for 16:00 Spanish peninsular time, while Dubai Basketball will face Real Madrid at 19:00 the same day. Saturday, September 19 will complete the competition with the third-place match at 16:00 and the inaugural final at 19:00, thereby concluding a day of elite basketball in Emirati territory.

The rumors and the disciplinary proceedings

Although EuroLeague has not explicitly detailed which information its statement responds to, the temporal coincidence of events allows for a clear connection. The organization opened a disciplinary proceeding this week against Dubai Basketball due to the Thomas Walkup case, after Olympiacos filed a complaint regarding improper approaches to a player under contract. This situation generated speculation in European media about possible changes to the tournament structure.

The peculiarity of the matter lies in the fact that the sanctioned club, Dubai Basketball, is one of the four participants in the SuperCup, while the complainant, Olympiacos, is another of the teams present. Both would meet in the semifinals if they overcome their respective commitments, which would have created a complex scenario from an organizational and regulatory perspective. Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that versions about possible changes to the schedule or tournament structure have circulated.

Certainty for all parties

EuroLeague's statement makes its position clear: regarding the schedule and format, there will be no modifications. This declaration seeks to provide legal and operational security to all stakeholders involved: teams, players, fans, and sponsors. With the dates officially ratified, preparations continue as planned, allowing each entity to organize its resources, travel, and strategies without uncertainty.

The SuperCup represents a milestone in the European basketball calendar as a new competition that brings together the best teams on the continent in a compressed and attractive format. EuroLeague's commitment to this event reflects its intention to create a quality product that complements the existing competitive offerings and provides matches of utmost interest for fans. The official confirmation of Abu Dhabi as the venue and the September dates consolidates this vision and allows the tournament to advance solidly towards its competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga ratifica Abu Dabi sin cambios