Beirut derby (basketball)
| Native name | ديربي بيروت |
|---|---|
| Location | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Teams | Al Riyadi, Sagesse |
| Stadiums | Manara Arena and Ghazir Stadium |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 143[1] |
| Most wins | Al Riyadi (96)[1] |
The Beirut derby (Arabic: ديربي بيروت) is a basketball rivalry between Al Riyadi and Sagesse, two clubs based Beirut, Lebanon. It is considered the most prominent rivalry in Lebanese basketball, regularly attracting national attention and described by international coverage as a defining feature of the sport in Lebanon.[2][3]
History
Both Al Riyadi (founded 1943) and Sagesse (basketball section founded 1992) are among the most decorated clubs in Lebanon. The rivalry became particularly intense from the 1990s onwards, when Sagesse rose to continental prominence and Al Riyadi asserted long-term domestic dominance.[4]
Head-to-head
As of 18 June 2025, the two clubs have met 143 times, with Al Riyadi leading the series with 96 wins against 47 for Sagesse.[1] At the Manara Arena, their most common venue, they have played 70 times, with Al Riyadi winning 57 and Sagesse 13.[1]
According to press reports, the 2022–23 season derby was considered the 131st meeting between the two clubs in the "modern era" (post-1992).[5]
Notable matches
- In the 2023–24 Lebanese Basketball League final, Al Riyadi defeated Sagesse 92–77 to secure the championship.[4]
- The derby has also featured in regional competitions such as the FIBA West Asia Super League, where international coverage highlighted its intensity and fan interest.[2]
Cultural impact
The Beirut derby is more than a sporting event: Lebanese and regional press often describe it as reflecting broader social and cultural dynamics in Beirut, with games drawing packed arenas and wide media coverage.[3][1]
See also
References
- ^ abcde"الحكمة والرياضي.. مواجهة الـ143". Lebanese Forces (in Arabic). 4 July 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^ ab"Beirut Derby again as Al Riyadi, Sagesse fight for FIBA WASL crown". FIBA. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^ ab"Lebanese fans the real winners as Beirut Derby goes from local to regional". FIBA. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^ ab"Riyadi sacré champion après sa victoire 92 à 77 contre Sagesse". L'Orient-Le Jour (in French). 9 May 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^"Sagesse remporte le derby de Beyrouth face à Riyadi". Ici Beyrouth (in French). 5 February 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
