- 09
- May
- 2025
The Nouhad Naufal Stadium is set to come alive with the rhythm of the FIBA WASL Final 8, from May 10 to 18. Two Lebanese clubs, Riyadi and La Sagesse, will proudly represent the country in this pan-Asian tournament that has all the flair of a major cup.
The countdown has begun. On Saturday, the spotlight will shine on Zouk Mikaël, host of the Final 8 of the West Asia Super League (WASL), FIBA’s flagship competition in Asia. For the first time, Lebanon is hosting this major continental basketball event. And not just one, but two giants of the Lebanese championship will be aiming to shine at home: Riyadi, three-time reigning West Zone champions, and La Sagesse, their eternal rival.
Riyadi, Regional Powerhouse and Favorite to Defend Its Crown
Winners of the first-ever WASL edition last year in Qatar, Riyadi arrives at full speed. The Manara club dominated the West Zone with an impressive three-peat, finishing with a perfect 8-0 record, and now aims for a historic back-to-back. With an experienced roster and well-oiled team chemistry, Riyadi enters the tournament as the team to beat. But history has shown that nothing is guaranteed. In 2024, they had to battle hard to defeat La Sagesse in overtime (100–90) in an epic final, marked by standout performances from Wael Arakji and Thon Maker.
La Sagesse Aims to Reignite the Flame
After falling short in last year’s final, La Sagesse returns with clear ambitions. Fired up by their passionate fanbase, the Greens are determined to erase the frustration of Doha and reconnect with their prestigious continental legacy. If the chemistry clicks, Ilias Zouros’s men could surprise everyone and shake the Nouhad Naufal stands.
A Strong Competition and Solid Lineup
Alongside the two Lebanese heavyweights, the Final 8 features a highly competitive lineup with both veterans and newcomers. Kazakhstan is represented by BC Astana, returning after an early group stage exit last year, far from their third-place finish in 2023.
India is counting on Tamil Nadu, back with hopes of turning the progress seen in their first outing into results. The UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli, recent WASL-Gulf champions, are eager to avenge their loss to Riyadi in the inaugural BCL Asia final in Dubai.
Three clubs are making their tournament debut: Tabiat Basketball, Iran’s runner-up, continuing the high-level legacy set by Shahrdary Gorgan; Ittihad Club, Gulf Zone finalists, who defied all expectations despite a rocky start to the season, notably by eliminating Qadsia SC—the Kuwaiti club that bounced back to unexpectedly claim third place. Qadsia, though new to this level, proved their strength by ousting former WASL champions Manama.
Day One Schedule
The group stage kicks off Saturday with two highly anticipated games at Nouhad Naufal Stadium. At 5:45 PM, Riyadi will open the tournament against BC Astana in Group A. Then at 8:45 PM, a high-voltage clash will see La Sagesse face off against Ittihad Club, also in Group A.
Zouk Mikaël, Temporary Capital of Asian Basketball
Having already hosted the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, Nouhad Naufal Stadium is ready for more historic moments. Two games per day, a fired-up atmosphere, historic rivalries, and the promise of spectacle… all the ingredients are in place for a standout tournament. And the passionate, loyal Lebanese crowd is sure to show up in force.
The Ball Is in Their Court
Riyadi wants to reign supreme, La Sagesse dreams of redemption: both Lebanese clubs head into this Final 8 with big goals. It’s up to them to turn the pressure of playing at home into motivation.
It’s up to them to write a new chapter in Lebanese basketball history. And who knows, maybe even deliver an all-Lebanese final.
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