NBA and Abu Dhabi extend partnership, league will bring more games there
The NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism have recently announced an extension of their partnership, solidifying their commitment to bringing preseason games to the Middle East and launching a new global academy in the United Arab Emirates’ capital for top boys players. This partnership, which has been extended for nine years, is expected to be worth over $300 million.
The extension comes at a time when the NBA and FIBA are working towards launching a new league in Europe, with the DCT having ties to Manchester City, one of the franchises interested in bidding for a spot in the new basketball venture. The DCT’s chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, stated that extending the partnership further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as the new home of basketball in the Middle East.
The NBA has been playing preseason games in Abu Dhabi for the past four years, with USA Basketball also visiting for games preceding major tournaments. Basketball participation in the UAE has increased significantly since the annual preseason trips began in 2022, with the fanbase growing by over 25%.
In addition to the preseason games, the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi are planning to launch the NBA Global Academy in the capital city. This academy will serve as the global hub for the league’s NBA Academy program, providing elite basketball development and academic programs for high-school-age student-athletes from the UAE, the Middle East, and around the world. The academy will also offer basketball development activities for local girls.
Overall, the extended partnership between the NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism signifies a deepening commitment to growing the sport of basketball in the Middle East and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global destination for basketball enthusiasts.
