The basketball world is buzzing with excitement as Dubai prepares to host the prestigious Red Bull Half Court World Final for the first time ever. This groundbreaking event, scheduled for November 28-29, 2025, promises to revolutionize streetball with innovative technology and global talent.
Revolutionary Basketball Technology Debuts
This year's tournament introduces a game-changing innovation that will transform streetball forever. The competition will feature the world's first interactive LED court floor, creating an electrifying visual experience for players and spectators alike. Every major play, from spectacular dunks to clutch three-pointers, will trigger dynamic graphics, animations, and art-driven visuals directly from the court surface.
The iconic Museum of the Future will provide a stunning backdrop for the outdoor event at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza. Dubai's urban skyline will be transformed into a specially constructed 3on3 arena where sport, architecture, and culture converge in a spectacular display.
Global Basketball Stars Rally Behind Event
NBA shooting coach Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews, renowned for working with elite players like Jaylen Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, recently generated significant buzz by promoting the event on his Instagram. His enthusiastic post revealed his excitement about the Dubai location and encouraged fans to attend.
The event has attracted support from basketball royalty worldwide. The lineup includes:
- The Professor, global streetball sensation known for viral videos
- Dušan Bulut, four-time World Tour champion and Olympic medalist
- Arike Ogunbowale, WNBA star and Dallas Wings point guard
International Teams Ready for Competition
The 2025 World Final will feature an impressive roster of international talent with twelve women's teams and eighteen men's teams representing eighteen basketball-focused nations. The qualified teams come from diverse basketball cultures including Japan, the United States, the Philippines, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, the Maldives, and North Macedonia.
South Africa's participation is particularly noteworthy after the country recently crowned its first men's and women's national champions during the landmark Red Bull Half Court National Finals at Wits University in September. These winning teams emerged victorious after intense qualifying rounds in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
One of the most compelling stories involves two brothers who will compete together on the same national team, adding a personal narrative to the global competition. The World Final represents the culmination of a months-long journey through fierce national qualifying tournaments, setting the stage for a truly international basketball showdown.
This event not only showcases elite streetball talent but also represents a significant moment for basketball's global growth, particularly in emerging markets like the Middle East and Africa. The combination of cutting-edge technology, world-class athletes, and Dubai's spectacular setting promises to make this an unforgettable chapter in streetball history.
