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The Nouhad Naufal Stadium is getting ready to vibrate once again! From May 10 to 18, the Mecca of Lebanese basketball will host the Final 8 of the 2025 FIBA WASL. A true crowning moment for Zouk Mikael and for an entire country that breathes basketball.
FIBA Asia officials confirmed it on Friday: Lebanon will be the host of the most anticipated tournament of the West Asian season. Another showcase moment for Nouhad Naufal Stadium, already the sacred ground of the 2017 Asia Cup and recently the scene of Al Riyadi’s historic triumph as three-time West Zone champions.
The Yellow team will put their crown on the line against their eternal rivals, La Sagesse, hungry for revenge after their defeat in the 2024 final in Qatar following a titanic battle (100–90 after overtime). The two Lebanese giants will proudly carry the banner of the West Asia League alongside Iran’s champions, Tabiat Basketball.
A Dream Lineup for a Clash of Titans
On the Gulf League side, the contenders look strong: the newly crowned Emirati team Shabab Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia’s Ittihad Club and the fierce Kuwaitis of Al Qadsia SC.
Joining them are two special invitees completing the pan-regional lineup: India’s Tamil Nadu (SABA champions) and Kazakhstan’s BC Astana (CABA representatives).
The draw—with a date to be announced soon—will divide these eight powerhouses into two groups of four. Only the top two from each group will make it to the semifinals. The others will pack their bags.
Objective: The Asian Summit
The semifinals will pave the way for a fiery final, and a third-place game will round out the competition. Each game day will feature two intense matchups—heavy hitters, every time.
Beyond the trophy, the stakes are massive: the two finalists will qualify for the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia, the ultimate stage for club basketball on the continent.
Is Lebanon a land of basketball? More than ever. This May, the whole nation will beat to the rhythm of the Final 8.
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