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Beirut Club

Beirut Club is a professional men's team based in , , that competes in the (LBL), the premier division of professional in the country. Founded in 2013, the club joined the LBL in 2017 and quickly established itself as a competitive force, known for its and white team colors and a focus on developing local talent alongside international players. The team's rise to prominence culminated in its first LBL championship win in 2022, where it defeated rivals Al Riyadi in the finals after a dominant regular season. On the international stage, Beirut Club secured the Arab Club Championship title in 2023, marking its first continental victory, while also reaching the finals in 2018 and 2019. The club has consistently qualified for LBL semifinals in multiple seasons, including 2018, 2023, and 2024, reflecting its sustained competitiveness in Lebanon's landscape. Beyond on-court success, Beirut Club emphasizes youth development through its academy programs, including recent 2025 partnerships with and Barja Basketball Club to expand opportunities for young players, positioning itself as a key contributor to Lebanese 's growth and earning recognition as a prominent force in the sport's regional ecosystem.

History

Founding and early development

Beirut Club was founded in 2013 in , , as a dedicated to nurturing local talent and fostering . Based in the Chiyah district, the club focused on development. This groundwork laid the foundation for the club's ascent, enabling it to prepare for entry into higher competitive levels shortly thereafter.

Promotion and league entry

Beirut Club earned promotion to the Lebanese Basketball League (LBL), then known as the Pepsi LBL, following a successful campaign in the second division during the 2016–2017 season, securing their spot for the 2017–2018 elite competition. In their inaugural LBL season of 2017–2018, the club finished third in the regular season with a 15–11 record, advancing to the playoffs and reaching the semifinals, where they demonstrated competitive prowess against established rivals. This debut performance highlighted the team's rapid adaptation to the higher level of play, marked by a balanced regular-season showing that included a 10–8 start in the initial stage before improving to third overall. To bolster their roster for the top flight, Beirut Club integrated several import players, including guards Chris Crawford from the and , alongside forward Keanau Post from and Lithuanian guard Vytautas Sulskis, enabling a more versatile and internationally experienced lineup capable of challenging the league's historic powerhouses. These additions complemented local talents and contributed to key statistical outputs, such as Efevberha's league-leading 21.9 points per game. Strategically, the club appointed Patrick Saba as head coach for the 2017–2018 campaign, whose tactical leadership earned him Coach of the Year honors and facilitated the team's seamless transition into elite competition against teams like Homenetmen and Al Riyadi. This hiring reflected an early commitment to professional management, positioning Beirut Club to build momentum in subsequent seasons.

Championship era and recent success

Beirut Club marked a significant milestone in 2019 by reaching the (LBL) finals for the first time, finishing as runners-up after a competitive season that showcased their rapid rise from recent league entrants to genuine contenders. This appearance highlighted the club's growing tactical depth and ability to challenge traditional powerhouses, setting the stage for future dominance in domestic competitions. The true breakthrough came in 2022, when Beirut Club captured their inaugural LBL championship, defeating rivals Al Riyadi in the 2021–2022 finals series (best-of-seven, won 4–3), concluding with a 79–62 victory in game 7 on June 10, 2022. This triumph not only ended Al Riyadi's long-standing reign but also injected fresh energy into the Lebanese basketball landscape, drawing larger crowds and inspiring a new generation of fans in . Complementing this league success, the club won the Lebanese Basketball Cup (also known as the Antoine Choueiri Cup) that same season, overcoming Al Riyadi 82-65 in the final to secure their first cup title. On the international front, Beirut Club won its first Arab Club Championship title in 2023, defeating AS Salé 86–75 in the final. Building on this momentum, Beirut Club demonstrated sustained excellence in subsequent years, reaching the LBL semifinals in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons while maintaining a strong regular-season presence. They added a second Lebanese Cup title in the 2023–24 season, clinching the championship with a 72-55 win over Antonine in the final on May 22, 2024, effectively securing back-to-back cup victories across the 2021–22 and 2023–24 campaigns. These achievements have played a pivotal role in elevating Beirut's scene, intensifying rivalries with teams like Homenetmen—often described as the club's fiercest matchup—and Al Riyadi, which have heightened the drama and competitiveness of local derbies. Amid Lebanon's severe economic since 2019, which has led to widespread financial strain on organizations including league suspensions and reduced funding, Beirut Club's persistent success underscores the sport's role in fostering and national pride. The club's ability to compete at a high level despite these challenges—such as currency devaluation and logistical disruptions—has helped sustain interest in as a unifying force in , even as broader national events like the 2020 port explosion compounded difficulties for athletic programs.

Facilities

Home arena

The Chiyah Forum serves as the primary home arena for Beirut Club, a professional team based in the Chiyah district of , . This multipurpose sports and cultural center features a covered indoor suitable for (LBL) competitions, along with facilities for other activities such as and . The arena accommodates up to 2,000 spectators in its seating arrangement, providing a compact yet intimate setting for that aligns with LBL standards for , dimensions, and basic amenities like scoreboards. Following the club's promotion to the LBL in 2017, the Chiyah Forum hosted Beirut Club's first league games during the 2017–2018 season, establishing it as the team's central venue for home fixtures. Prior to this, the club utilized other venues such as the Demerjian Center in . The forum's location in the club's home district fosters a strong community connection, drawing local supporters to create an energetic environment during games.

Training and youth academy

Beirut Club's training facilities consist of dedicated gyms and courts in the Chiyah district of , utilized for daily practices by the senior and youth teams. These setups were developed following the club's promotion to the (LBL) in 2017, providing a focused environment for skill enhancement and physical conditioning separate from match-day operations at Chiyah Forum. The youth academy, branded as Beirut Academy, initiated programs around 2016, targeting players aged 12 to 18 with structured training sessions and competitive leagues. Scouting efforts concentrate on local talent in Chiyah and adjacent neighborhoods, fostering early identification and nurturing of promising athletes through camps, tryouts, and seasonal teams such as the U14 girls' squad, which claimed the LBL U14 Girls championship in 2025. The club's development philosophy prioritizes Lebanese players, integrating technical training, teamwork, and resilience to create seamless pathways from academy to the senior roster. This approach has supported the integration of homegrown talent into professional play, aligning with the club's post-promotion growth. In 2023, a multi-year sponsorship from Emirates enabled significant investments in academy infrastructure, including upgraded equipment and enhanced coaching resources, which have bolstered ongoing youth development and contributed to the club's competitive edge in domestic leagues.

Roster and staff

Current players

The Beirut Club roster for the 2025–2026 season features a balanced mix of experienced imports and developing local talent, competing in the (LBL). The team emphasizes perimeter scoring and interior defense, with three primary import players anchoring the offense alongside a core of Lebanese nationals who provide continuity and energy. Following their 2023–2024 Lebanese Cup victory, the club retained key locals while adding high-scoring imports to build on their semifinal appearance in the 2024–2025 LBL season.

Guards

The backcourt is led by American import AJ English, a 33-year-old scoring guard signed in October 2025, who has averaged 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game over five contests as of November 2025, including a 23-point performance against Homenetmen on November 4, 2025. Local point guard Joseph Zaloum, 34, serves as the veteran floor general with over a decade of experience in Lebanese leagues, contributing steady playmaking and leadership; he averaged 7.2 points and 4.8 assists in the 2024–2025 LBL season. Youngster Rayan Hachem, a 20-year-old Lebanese guard at 196 cm, adds speed and perimeter defense, logging minutes off the bench in recent matches.

Forwards

Forward Elijah Thomas, a 29-year-old American import acquired in October 2025, has emerged as the team's rebounding force, posting 21.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game over five early contests as of November 2025, leveraging his 206 cm frame for efficient inside scoring. Veteran Tony Mitchell, 36, another American forward signed in September 2025, brings versatile scoring and rebounding from his extensive international career; in his debut for the club on October 19, 2025, he tallied 29 points and 12 rebounds against Nadim Souaid Academy. Lebanese forward Jimmy Nakhle, 25, at 200 cm, forms part of the local core with consistent mid-range shooting, averaging 9.4 points in the prior LBL season while contributing to the team's 2023–2024 Cup run. Emerging wing Joseph Abou Samra, 21, a 196 cm Lebanese player, provides athleticism and transition play, highlighted by his contributions in recent LBL action.

Centers

Tunisian-Lebanese center Jean Makhlouf, 22, at 203 cm, anchors the frontcourt with rim protection and pick-and-roll finishing. Additional depth comes from local bigs like Alec Zambaka and Nader Dhainy, who rotate in for rebounding support. The roster's import slots are filled by English, Thomas, and Mitchell (along with Tray Jackson), emphasizing their roles in elevating the team's competitiveness, with no major injuries reported as of November 2025.

Coaching and management

Jad El Hajj serves as the of Beirut Club, having assumed the role ahead of the 2024–25 Lebanese Basketball League season and renewing his contract for three more seasons in May 2025. Before joining the club, El Hajj coached the Lebanon national team from 2022 to 2024, guiding the Cedars through preparations for major events. The assistant coaching staff assists in player development, scouting, and tactical preparation, with strategic hires since 2020 enhancing the team's analytical and developmental focus. Beirut Club's management is led by president Nadim Hakim, who has directed the club's operations since its establishment in 2013 as a platform for inclusive sports among Lebanese enthusiasts. Hakim, drawing on his experience in professional sports administration, secured a three-year sponsorship with Emirates Airline in 2023, which supported expanded international engagements and youth programs. Under his oversight, the management has facilitated key player acquisitions to align with competitive goals. The leadership's strategic decisions have been central to the club's successes from 2022 to 2024, including the 2022 title and the 2023 Arab Club Championship victory.

Achievements

Domestic honors

Beirut Club secured its first (LBL) championship in the 2021–22 season, defeating rivals Al Riyadi in a seven-game finals series that concluded with a 79–62 victory in the decisive Game 7 on June 10, 2022. The series, played in a best-of-seven format, showcased Beirut Club's resilience, as they overcame a 2–1 deficit to claim the title, with key contributions from guards and forwards in high-stakes matchups. of Beirut Club was named the finals for his standout performances, averaging crucial points and assists throughout the playoffs. In domestic cup competitions, Beirut Club won the Lebanese Cup in the 2021–22 season by defeating Al Riyadi 82–65 in the final, marking their inaugural triumph in the tournament and highlighting their defensive prowess that limited the opponents' scoring. They repeated as champions in the 2023–24 season, overcoming Antonine Club in the final on May 22, 2024, with a balanced offensive output led by efficient shooting and rebounding dominance. These victories underscored the club's growing depth, as they navigated knockout rounds against strong Lebanese opponents. Beyond championships, Beirut Club captured the LBL regular season title in 2022, finishing atop the standings with a strong win-loss record that propelled them into the playoffs. The club has also reached the LBL semifinals multiple times, including in 2018, 2023, 2024, and 2025, establishing a consistent presence in the league's upper echelons since their promotion in 2017. They were runners-up in the 2018–19 LBL finals, losing to Al Riyadi after a competitive series that built momentum for future success. These domestic accomplishments have significantly elevated Beirut Club's status among Beirut's basketball powerhouses, transforming them from a newcomer into a legitimate rival to established clubs like Al Riyadi and Sagesse, and fostering greater fan engagement in the city's competitive scene.

International honors

Beirut Club's foray into international competition began around 2019, marking the club's initial significant exposures outside and underscoring its evolution from a domestic contender to a regional powerhouse. This growth was bolstered by their 2022 Lebanese Basketball League victory, which opened doors to elite cross-border tournaments. The club's most prominent achievement came in the 2023 Arab Club Basketball Championship, where Beirut Club clinched gold by defeating AS Salé of Morocco 86-75 in the final. Standout performers included Sergio El Darwich, named Finals and League MVP for his leadership on both ends of the court. Beirut Club also made waves in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament, an annual invitational featuring a group-stage preliminary round followed by semifinals and a final, often showcasing strong Lebanese participation with multiple clubs representing the nation. They earned silver as runners-up in 2019 before capturing gold in 2025 with an 80-72 victory over the Tunisian national team in the championship game. Additional successes include bronze in the 2023 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) West Asia division, earned through qualification via domestic success, and gold at the 2023 Doha International Basketball Championship, where they triumphed over fellow Lebanese side Sagesse in the final (Beirut Club scored 90 points). These results position Beirut Club as a key contributor to Lebanon's growing influence in and .

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