Dubai Basketball has made a significant move by bringing on board Turkish basketball star Sertac Sanli. This acquisition is a crucial step for the team as they gear up for their much-anticipated entry into the EuroLeague during the 2025-26 season. Sanli's arrival adds a layer of seasoned expertise and championship pedigree to Dubai's roster, signaling their serious intent to contend in Europe's premier basketball competition from the outset.
Turkish Basketball Veteran Sertac Sanli Joins Dubai's EuroLeague Bid
On September 28, 2025, Dubai Basketball officially announced the recruitment of Turkish center Sertac Sanli. The 34-year-old veteran recently concluded his tenure with Fenerbahce, where he secured his second EuroLeague title in May. This victory saw Fenerbahce overcome Panathinaikos in the semi-finals before triumphing over Monaco in the championship match. Sanli's first EuroLeague championship was with Anadolu Efes in 2021, making him a unique player to win titles with both of Turkey's top basketball clubs.
During the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, Sanli participated in 35 games for Fenerbahce, contributing an average of 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.1 blocks per contest, with an impressive 61.8% shooting accuracy from the field. His considerable experience in high-stakes European competition is expected to be invaluable, providing both leadership and a steady presence for Dubai's debut season.
Sanli joins a growing list of notable international players on the Dubai roster, including Davis Bertans, Kosta Kondic, and Filip Petrusev, alongside experienced figures like Justin Anderson and Mfiondu Kabengele. The team will be under the guidance of head coach Jurica Golemac, who faces the task of seamlessly integrating these diverse talents, with Sanli's addition being a cornerstone of their strategic development. Sanli's departure from Fenerbahce in September paved the way for his move to Dubai, where he is now one of the most distinguished players in the European market.
This move highlights Dubai's ambition to build a competitive team from scratch, leveraging the experience of proven champions. Sanli's journey from winning titles with two major Turkish clubs to leading a new team in a new league provides an inspiring narrative of continued pursuit of excellence. It also sets a precedent for Dubai as a formidable new force in European basketball.
