Al Rayyan and Al Arabi Face Al Ahli and Al Sadd in the Opening Games of the Basketball League Semi-Finals

Doha – March 22, 2026:

The “Playoffs” stage of the semi-finals of the Qatar Men’s Basketball League for the 2025–2026 sports season will kick off on Monday, March 23, 2026. This comes following the announcement by the Qatar Basketball Federation of the resumption of local sporting activities and the return of official competitions after a temporary suspension due to prevailing regional circumstances.

Al Gharafa Club Hall will host the opening clashes of the “Final Four” with two high-profile encounters. League leaders Al Rayyan will meet third-placed Al Ahli, who secured their spot through the “Play-In” stage, at 6:00 PM. Al Rayyan will be looking to reaffirm their dominance this season, while Al Ahli aims to continue their positive run and surprise the leaders.

In the second match, Al Arabi, last season’s champions and current runners-up, will face fourth-placed Al Sadd, who also advanced via the “Play-In” stage. The game, scheduled for 8:00 PM, promises a special competitive flavor between two teams with rich histories and strong ambitions to reach the final.

The semi-finals will be played under the “best-of-three” format, with each team needing two victories to secure a place in the final. This system adds tactical and competitive intensity, making every game crucial in shaping the finalists.

The second round of the semi-finals will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Al Sadd will face Al Arabi at 6:00 PM, followed by Al Ahli against Al Rayyan at 8:00 PM. This round could prove decisive if any team manages to secure a second win and clinch early qualification.

If the series is tied 1–1, a decisive third game will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Al Rayyan will meet Al Ahli at 6:00 PM, followed by Al Arabi against Al Sadd at 8:00 PM, to determine the finalists.

Should qualification be settled in the first two rounds, the third game will not be played. The league season will then conclude on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with the third-place playoff at 6:00 PM, followed by the championship final at 8:00 PM to crown the 2025–2026 league champions.

The Qatar Basketball Federation has announced that all matches will be held without spectators, with attendance limited to players, technical and administrative staff, organizational crews, and the referees’ committee. This measure is part of the precautionary protocols adopted to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the games.