Dubai Basketball and Split Set for Exciting Monday Clash in Opening Round

2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Group A Round 1, Monday, 6 October 2025:

DUBAI BASKETBALL - SPLIT

Where? Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

When? 17:00

Story of the game: The new AdmiralBet ABA League season is about to bring us a thrilling Monday duel as Dubai Basketball hosts Split in the opening game for both teams in the 2025/26 campaign. While this will be their first league appearance of the season, both squads have already shown some of their potential in other competitions.

Dubai Basketball started their historic debut EuroLeague season last week, picking up one win and one defeat, proving that their revamped roster can already compete at the highest level. On the other side, Split have had a perfect start to their domestic championship, recording two victories and building strong momentum ahead of their regional league opener.

When these two sides met last season, Dubai Basketball celebrated in both encounters — yet neither game was a walk in the park. Split pushed hard on both occasions, keeping the score close until the final minutes.

Dubai Basketball enter the new season with perhaps the most star-studded lineup in the league. The club made some major moves on the transfer market, bringing in Džanan Musa, Aleksa Avramović, Dwayne Bacon, and the 2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season MVP McKinley Wright IV, among others. These additions have instantly elevated Dubai Basketball into one of the leading contenders for the title.

Split, however, also had a busy summer. The yellow-and-white squad added two well-known names — Zoran Dragić, one of Slovenia’s finest veterans, and Leon Radošević, who comes to Split after spending last season with Dubai Basketball. The duo adds both experience and depth to a team that’s always known for its fighting spirit.

With both teams eager to start the season on a winning note, fans can expect a fast-paced, physical game with plenty of star power on display.

Match-Up in Focus: McKinley Wright IV vs Antonio Jordano.

The spotlight will be on two excellent guards who are expected to play leading roles this season - McKinley Wright IV and Antonio Jordano.

Wright, the reigning regular-season MVP, has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in the region. His combination of speed, control, and playmaking sets the tone for Dubai’s offense, and his chemistry with new teammates like Musa and Bacon could make Dubai a nightmare to defend.

Jordano, meanwhile, continues to grow as Split’s offensive engine. Known for his shooting and confidence in key moments, he will once again be the man his team turns to when points are needed.

Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 2:0; In Dubai 1:0.