Fenerbahçe Beko Claims Second EuroLeague Championship in Abu Dhabi

Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul secured their second EuroLeague championship on May 25, 2025, by defeating AS Monaco 81-70 in the final held at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. This victory marks Fenerbahçe's first EuroLeague title since 2017 and the first under head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius.

The championship game was closely contested, with Fenerbahçe leading 35-33 at halftime. In the fourth quarter, standout performances from Nigel Hayes-Davis and Devon Hall propelled the team to an eight-point lead, which they maintained until the end.

Hayes-Davis was named the Final Four MVP, contributing 23 points and nine rebounds in the championship game. Notably, he achieved a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line.

This event marked the first time the EuroLeague Final Four was hosted outside Europe since 2004, highlighting the league's efforts to expand its global reach. The Etihad Arena, with a basketball capacity of 12,000, provided a world-class venue for the event.

Fenerbahçe's journey to the title included a 3-0 sweep of Paris Basketball in the quarterfinals and a semifinal victory over Panathinaikos. This championship solidifies Fenerbahçe's position as a dominant force in European basketball.

Head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius, a Lithuanian basketball legend, achieved his first EuroLeague title as a coach, adding to his four titles as a player. His leadership has been instrumental in Fenerbahçe's recent success.

Monaco's head coach, Vassilis Spanoulis, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We didn't distribute the ball properly. They hit some important shots, we played good defense, but their offense was better."

Hosting the EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi signifies the growing globalization of basketball, bringing European club basketball to new audiences in the Middle East. The event facilitated cultural exchange and showcased the universal appeal of basketball, fostering connections between diverse fan bases.

Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul's triumph in the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four not only adds to their storied history but also underscores the evolving landscape of international basketball, where traditional European powerhouses are increasingly engaging with a global audience.