Doha: The semi-final “Playoffs” stage of the 2025–2026 season Qatar Men’s Basketball League will tip off on Monday, March 23, following the decision by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) to resume domestic sporting activities after a temporary suspension due to prevailing regional circumstances.
Action will get under way at Al Gharafa Club Hall, which hosts the opening “Final Four” clashes featuring two high-profile encounters.
League leaders Al Rayyan will take on third-placed Al Ahli at 6:00pm. Al Ahli booked their place in the semi-finals through the “Play-In” stage and will be aiming to extend their strong run, while Al Rayyan look to underline their dominance this season.
In the second fixture, defending champions Al Arabi, who finished as runners-up in the current campaign, will face Al Sadd at 8:00pm. Al Sadd also progressed via the “Play-In” stage, setting up a highly competitive clash between two sides with rich histories and ambitions of reaching the final.
The semi-finals will be contested in a best-of-three format, with teams required to secure two victories to advance. The format is expected to heighten the competitive edge, with each game playing a crucial role in determining the finalists.
The second round of fixtures is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, when Al Sadd meet Al Arabi at 6:00pm, followed by Al Ahli against Al Rayyan at 8:00pm. The round could prove decisive should any team register a second consecutive win to seal qualification.
If the series are level at 1-1, a deciding third game will be held on Saturday, March 28. Al Rayyan will again face Al Ahli at 6:00pm, before Al Arabi take on Al Sadd at 8:00pm, with the winners progressing to the final.
In the event that qualification is decided in the first two rounds, the third matches will not be required. The season will then conclude on Saturday, March 28, with the third-place play-off scheduled for 6:00pm, followed by the final at 8:00pm to crown the league champions.
The federation confirmed that all matches will be played behind closed doors, with attendance restricted to players, technical and administrative staff, organising personnel and match officials, in line with precautionary measures to ensure safety and the smooth conduct of the competition.
