BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Defending their throne as kings of the Gulf League will be the main objective of Shabab Al Ahli as they're bound to compete in the 2025-26 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) competitions.
FIBA WASL history
The UAE Basketball League powerhouse are set to play for the fourth time in as many editions of the pan-regional meet but their upcoming campaign, without a doubt, should be the most important to date.
That's because much of the attention will be on the crew in the season that opens October 13, for they are coming in as the reigning Sub-Zone League champions following a 2024-25 campaign to remember.
Shabab Al Ahli have never gotten past the Gulf League Semi-Finals in WASL's first two seasons, that's why it couldn't get any sweeter for them to take home the title in their breakthrough Final appearance.
Lest we forget that storied ball club also achieved success in the WASL Final 8 in Lebanon after advancing to the Semi-Finals for the first time ever, ultimately finishing fourth in the tourney eventually ruled by Al Riyadi.
Qualifying path
Thanks to Shabab Al Ahli's success, UAE were given two spots this season, the first time that a pair of teams will represent the country in the tilt. The other, in case you're wondering, would be domestic champs Sharjah.
Players to watch
Deshawndre Washington will reportedly be back for another tour of duty and that, indeed, would be great news for Shabab Al Ahli's title defense after playing a major role in their maiden championship run.
It could be recalled that the athletic winger served as one of the 2024-25 Gulf League's best players, as evidenced by his solid averages of 21.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals.
He even carried over his solid play not only to the Final 8 but in the BCL Asia 2025 in the 'City of Gold,' in which he helped his side return to the Semi-Finals and finished as the games' best scorer with 34.3 points.
Not to be forgotten, of course, is lead big man Qais Alshabebi, who upped the ante last season as the veteran bruiser further embraced his role for Shabab Al Ahli with 15.5 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Then there are also key cogs such as Hamed Lateef plus Talal Alnuami and Assane Boye, to name some, all of them raring to help in the club's aim of extending their dominion in what should be a thrilling Gulf League ahead.
Shabab Al Ahli are situated in Group A together with 2024-25 Gulf League runners-up Ittihad Club and other returnees Kazma and Muharraq. To know more about their FIBA WASL 2025-26 campaign, click here.
FIBA