By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The TBF Basketball Development Center in Istanbul will host home games of Anadolu Efes from the top of the next season.
The Istanbul outfit confirmed the move to a new home venue on Tuesday.
Besides Efes, Galatasaray and the national teams of Turkiye are also projected to use the venue built where Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall used to stand. It remains unclear whether the Basketball Development Center will stick or a name with a possible connection to the history of the area will emerge.
Abdi Ipekci was home for Efes and Galata until the 2016-17 season. Fellow Istanbul powerhouses Fenerbahce and Besiktas also played at the venue. It was demolished in 2018 with plans in place for a new building.
Sinan Erdem Dome took over as the primary basketball venue of the city, hosting Efes, Galatasaray, and the national teams of Turkiye since 2017. Following a long run at Atakoy, they are heading back to Zeytinburnu in a state-of-the-art facility.
The 2010 FIBA World Cup was held in the Sinan Erdem Dome. In 2012, 2017, and 2022, a EuroLeague champion was crowned with the arena hosting the annual Final Four of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
Besides the 2024-25 installment of the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi, Efes will compete in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the Lions are preparing for the Regular Season of the Basketball Champions League. Plenty of exciting action at the Basketball Development Center from the domestic league to the continental level.