Dubai Basketball Club general manager Dejan Kamenjasevic has conceded that his side might not play in the EuroLeague but has lashed out at the league’s vision for the future.
After more than three years of talks, the Bosnian executive revealed to Ivan Benito from El Correo that despite reassurances from the Middle Eastern club, who would have a budget of just under four million euros, EuroLeague Basketball wants to take a different approach.
This comes after several clubs criticized travel and overall distance to the United Arab Emirates and the unsafe practices in the country, which are likely associated with numerous human rights violations.
“That is a hoax, and the clubs have been here and have seen it. I’ve been here for ten years, and we have more human rights than Europe. I’m talking about Dubai, not about other countries in the Middle East,” Kamenjasevic said.
“More than 220 nationalities live here in peace and harmony with a clear immigration program where you can only stay with a work contract and in no way get everything from the government.
“I’m anti-political, and I don’t talk about right or left, but Europe is only getting worse, so talking about bad human rights here, in one of the safest cities in the world, without a strong or Muslim regime.”
He added about the travel concerns that some EuroLeague teams had: “I don’t really agree with the complaint when Europe has had many teams with almost the same number of flight hours.”
“Complaining about the most connected city in the world by flights? I’ll give you some information that we have. Between the Euroleague, Eurocup, and ABA, there are only four cities that don’t have direct flights.
“Why no to Dubai and yes to Russia, the Canary Islands, or Israel? They should erect a monument to us because we want to play in Europe and offer a commercial and sporting level never seen before.”
Dubai’s inclusion in the EuroLeague, which Kamenjasevic added, looked to have the support of the Spanish clubs involved looks certain to be slim.
This is despite the country hosting NBA games, USA Basketball showcases, and the upcoming 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“Right now, I think it won’t happen,” Kamenjasevic concedes.
“If it were up to Baskonia, Madrid, or Barca, yes, but there are more interested parties. The Spanish have surprised me in terms of vision. Even Valencia. They are looking for many additional resources to overcome and survive. They also think we are the solution.
“But the EuroLeague, in general, doesn’t, and they believe they are on the right path,” Kamenjasevic said. “I feel bad about not facing this together because it’s public knowledge that the NBA is going to land in Europe and plans to hold a tournament.”
However, Dubai’s European venture isn’t all doom and gloom for the mega-rich hotspot. They will be competing in the Adriatic League.
“At the moment, we are in the Adriatic League,” the Bosnian commented.
“It’s the one that has had the vision of business, future, and expansion. All sports are between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai is located. With the NBA Games and the 2027 FIBA World Cup, basketball is here as well.
“The only thing missing is the EuroLeague. Either they are very intelligent or… And they are there to praise themselves in the economic aspect.”
