The highly anticipated Eternal Derby between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan will only be possible in the final of the Radivoj Korać Cup, as determined by the draw held today at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Belgrade. The quarterfinals of the Mozart Cup Radivoj Korać, set to take place from February 12 to 15 in Niš, will feature the following matchups:
- Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet vs. Borac Mozart (Feb 12, 6:00 PM / 11:00 AM CST)
- Spartak Office Shoes vs. FMP Soccerbet (Feb 12, 8:45 PM / 1:45 PM CST)
- Partizan Mozart Bet vs. Vojvodina MTS (Feb 13, 6:00 PM / 11:00 AM CST)
- Mega Superbet vs. Dunav (Feb 13, 8:45 PM / 1:45 PM CST)
The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, February 14, at 5:30 PM (10:30 AM CST) and 8:30 PM (1:30 PM CST), while the grand final will take place on Saturday, February 15, at 8:45 PM (1:45 PM CST)
Tribute to a Basketball Legend
Before the draw, a moment of silence was held in honor of Serbian basketball legend Dražen Dalipagić. 
The draw itself was conducted by medalists from the European U18 Championships held in Niš in 2023 and Tampere in 2024—Andrej Kostić (Crvena Zvezda), Bogoljub Marković (Mega), Aleksa Stanojević (FMP), and Pavle Nikolić (Borac).
Official Statements from the Organizers
Before the draw, Dr. Nebojša Čović, President of the Serbian Basketball Federation (KSS), welcomed numerous guests, including club representatives, coaches, players, Serbian national team head coach Svetislav Pešić, as well as officials from the city of Niš and the tournament’s sponsors.
He emphasized that this tournament is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful events organized by the Serbian Basketball Federation, particularly because it carries the name of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Čović highlighted that basketball fans can expect an exciting spectacle in Niš.
Speaking on behalf of the host city, Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović addressed the audience, noting that the people of Niš have a deep passion for basketball and live for the sport during February.
20 Years of Basketball Tradition in Niš
This year marks a milestone for basketball in Niš, as the city hosts the national cup for the 20th time, the 15th under the name Radivoj Korać Cup, and the 10th consecutive edition.
Since 2003, the tournament has honored Radivoj Korać, one of the greatest European basketball players of all time. Starting in 2013, the national cup winner received a replica of the original Radivoj Korać Cup, which was awarded to the winner of the European club competition from 1972 to 2002. This initiative, led by the Serbian Basketball Federation and supported by FIBA Europe, ensures that “Žućko’s Left Hand” continues its legacy through the Serbian Cup.
Historical Success in the Cup
The Serbian National Cup has been held since 1959. Since adopting the Radivoj Korać name in 2002/03, the most successful club has been Crvena Zvezda, with ten trophies, followed by Partizan with eight, and FMP with three titles. Mega has also won the cup once.
When considering the entire history of domestic cup competitions (including Yugoslavia, FR Yugoslavia, and Serbia), Partizan leads with 16 titles, followed by Crvena Zvezda with 13. FMP Železnik has won four, OKK Beograd three, while Radnički Belgrade, IMT, and Mega have each won once.
