Dubai Basketball has appointed NBA champion Tristan Thompson as its Global Ambassador, adding a former Cleveland Cavaliers champion to the club’s front-office structure as it expands its international profile.
The club announced Thursday that Thompson will work alongside Dubai Basketball’s leadership on strategic partnerships, fan engagement and international growth, with a focus on strengthening basketball culture in the UAE and expanding the organization’s presence across global markets.
“Dubai Basketball is building something that feels bigger than a team,” Thompson said. “There is a real opportunity to make Dubai a global basketball hub, connecting talent, fans, and opportunity across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.”
Thompson brings more than a decade of NBA experience and was a key member of Cleveland’s 2016 championship team. His appointment does not involve joining Dubai’s playing roster; instead, his role is designed to support the club’s commercial visibility, international relationships and broader basketball development strategy.
The move comes after a rapid three-year rise for Dubai Basketball. Founded in 2023, the club entered the EuroLeague in 2025-26 as the competition’s first Gulf-based team and finished its debut regular season with a 19-19 record, placing 11th in the 20-team standings.
Dubai also won the ABA League title in its second season and has welcomed more than 100,000 fans since its inception, according to the club. President Dejan Kamenjasevic said Thompson’s experience would help the organization continue developing its international reach.
“Tristan brings championship pedigree, global credibility, and a clear understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture,” Kamenjasevic said. “His experience as both an elite athlete and an international sports figure will be a tremendous asset as we continue to elevate Dubai Basketball.”
The appointment arrives during another significant summer for Dubai’s basketball operation. The club replaced several players, including Nate Mason, Bruno Caboclo, Taran Armstrong, Matt Ryan and Boogie Ellis, while also naming Xavi Pascual as head coach.
Dubai has added experienced EuroLeague talent including Tornike Shengelia and Elie Okobo, while Jaron Blossomgame, Davion Mintz and Mamadi Diakite are also among the newcomers. The roster changes follow a EuroLeague campaign in which Dwayne Bacon led the club with 15.1 points per game, while Mfiondu Kabengele averaged 13.3 points and 5.5 rebounds.
