Your chance to witness the NBA stars of the future here in Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking for a taste of the star-studded NBA action coming later this year, this weekend’s event is for you.
The adidas NextGen EuroLeague returns to Abu Dhabi from 27 February to 1 March at Space42 Arena, where eight of Europe’s top U18 teams will bring fast-paced, skill-packed basketball to the capital; the perfect warm-up for fans ahead of the NBA’s 2026 season.
Leading the pack are defending champions Žalgiris Kaunas and five-time winners Real Madrid.
Žalgiris takes the title into the UAE after last year’s win here, while Real Madrid are back with their sights set on reclaiming the crown after a surprising miss in Munich last season.
Group A has Real Madrid facing AS Monaco Basket, Aris Thessaloniki, and hometown heroes Dubai Basketball.
Over in Group B, Žalgiris goes up against debutants London Lions, Valencia Basket, and Next Gen Team Abu Dhabi, coached by two-time EuroLeague champ Doğuş Balbay.
The format is simple: two groups of four playing round-robin games, with the top teams meeting in the championship on Sunday, 1 March. The rest of the teams will battle it out in placement games, so every match counts.
This tournament is about unearthing the future stars of European basketball. Past NextGen players include Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić.
Watching these young talents now? You might just be spotting tomorrow’s EuroLeague or NBA superstar.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan, a scout, or just looking for an exciting event, Abu Dhabi is the place to be; your chance to witness the next generation of basketball stars in action.
AED 20. 27 February to 1 March, Space42 Area, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
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