Davis Bertans Ready for Dubai Basketball’s Historic EuroLeague Debut

Dubai Basketball is preparing for a landmark moment in its young history as the club gears up for its EuroLeague debut in the 2025/26 season. The spotlight will be on Latvian star Davis Bertans, whose return to the competition after a decade adds extra weight to what promises to be a historic night for the team, the city, and the region.

Facing European Giants

In their opening EuroLeague fixture, Dubai Basketball will host Serbian powerhouse Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. For Bertans, the matchup is nothing short of special. “I’m excited — it’s been 10 years since I last played in the EuroLeague, and to return on such a special night here in Dubai is amazing,” he told Gulf News.

The experienced forward understands the magnitude of the moment. “Facing one of the most storied clubs in EuroLeague history, and in front of one of the best fanbases, it’s a dream scenario — both for me and for the team,” he said.

Rekindling His Passion

Bertans’s journey to Dubai has been transformative. After limited playing time during his final seasons in the NBA, he admitted that the move reignited his passion for the sport. “I told my teammates last season — coming here helped me fall in love with basketball again. I didn’t get much playing time during my last two years in the NBA, mostly just summers with the Latvian national team. But here, I’ve been able to play the way I love to — freely and with purpose — and that’s made the biggest difference for me and the team,” he reflected.

His resurgence has also inspired Dubai’s growing fanbase, who have rallied behind the team’s rapid rise in regional competitions such as the ABA League. Bertans’s leadership, shooting ability, and veteran experience are expected to play a vital role as the club enters Europe’s most prestigious basketball tournament.

Partnership with Equiti

The buzz around Dubai Basketball’s debut coincided with the announcement of a major partnership between the club and Equiti Group. To mark the collaboration, a retro-futuristic half-court pop-up event was organized, where Bertans and teammate Nate Mason entertained fans with a lively display of shooting drills and trick shots. The highlight of the event was the ‘30-Second Basket Challenge,’ where fans competed for exclusive prizes, blending sport, entertainment, and community engagement.

Equiti’s CEO and co-founder, Iskandar Najjar, highlighted the broader vision behind the deal. “This partnership goes beyond basketball — it’s about showcasing Dubai’s talent on the global stage, challenging norms, creating opportunities, and setting a blueprint for the next era of success. Together, we aim to empower athletes, fans, and clients alike to push boundaries, excel in performance, and make a powerful, positive impact — on and off the court,” he said.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the excitement of EuroLeague competition, Bertans is particularly optimistic about the future of basketball in the UAE. He revealed that Dubai Basketball’s academy already has around 600 young players enrolled. “There’s a lot of interest, especially among young players. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll see some of them wearing the Dubai Basketball jersey,” he said.

The Latvian star believes that increased exposure through the EuroLeague will spark a “snowball effect” across the region. “More exposure brings more attention, and that inspires kids to follow the sport. Eventually, we could see two, three, maybe even four competitive teams playing at a high level in this region,” he predicted.

A Historic Chapter for Dubai

Dubai Basketball’s entry into the EuroLeague is more than just a sporting milestone—it represents the UAE’s growing ambition to establish itself as a hub for global sports. From world-class infrastructure to high-profile partnerships, the club is positioned to make an impact both on and off the court.

For Bertans, the opening night will be particularly symbolic. Returning to EuroLeague action after ten years, he not only carries his own personal journey but also the hopes of an emerging basketball culture in Dubai. With the support of passionate fans, a committed squad, and visionary leadership, the stage is set for Dubai Basketball to make history.

As the countdown begins to their clash with Partizan Belgrade, the excitement continues to build. For Davis Bertans and his teammates, this is not just a game—it’s the beginning of a new era for basketball in Dubai.

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