Lebanon will host the 2026 FIBA West Asia Super League Final 8 from September 25 to October 1, FIBA announced on Friday, providing a confirmed venue and dates for the competition’s decisive stage.
The Final 8 will bring together the leading clubs from the West Asia and Gulf regions after the tournament’s final phase was previously deferred.
According to FIBA; The announcement gives participating teams certainty after the competition’s final phase was disrupted earlier in the year.
Lebanon will now stage the tournament at a time when regional clubs are preparing for the climax of the 2025/26 WASL campaign.
The qualified teams include Al Riyadi and Sagesse BC of Lebanon, BC Astana of Kazakhstan and Shahrdari Gorgan of Iran from the West Asia side.
The Gulf League is represented by Kuwait SC, Al Ula, Ittihad Club and Al Arabi SC.
FIBA reports that the competition could also involve Indian Railways, the champions from India, although FIBA said the final format and groupings would be confirmed later.
Lebanon’s selection is significant because the country has a strong basketball tradition and will have two of its clubs competing in the Final 8.
Home supporters will consequently have the opportunity to watch Al Riyadi and Sagesse compete against some of the strongest clubs from across West Asia and the Gulf.
The Final 8 had been deferred earlier, with FIBA citing the need to accommodate suspended domestic competitions and international commitments.
As stated by FIBA Basketball; The new dates now allow the regional championship to move toward its conclusion.
For the participating clubs, the tournament represents the culmination of months of competition in their respective leagues.
The eight-team field will provide a concentrated battle for regional supremacy, with every match carrying increased importance as the tournament reaches its final stage.
For Lebanon, hosting the competition also provides an opportunity to showcase its basketball infrastructure and strengthen its position as one of the region’s traditional basketball centres.
The tournament’s final format, including groupings and the detailed schedule, is still expected to be announced.
What is now certain is that the WASL Final 8 will take place in Lebanon from September 25 to October 1.
After months of uncertainty, the announcement finally provides the competition with a clear path to its conclusion.
