NBA to play preseason games in Abu Dhabi in October 2022

November 18, 2021

North America’s National Basketball Association (NBA) has agreed to play two preseason games in Abu Dhabi next season, marking the first time the elite basketball league will play in the Arabian Gulf.

With no preseason games having been played outside of North America since 2019 because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the games follows it having successful staged a series of UFC ‘Fight Island’ events since the second half of last year.

With the League having said over recent months that it was targeting a return to overseas games in 2022, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who was yesterday in Abu Dhabi to sign the League’s multiyear agreement with local officials, advised “Abu Dhabi is a vibrant multicultural hub with a demonstrated track record of hosting world-class sporting events.”

The first edition of the multiyear partnership will see preseason games staged in Abu Dhabi in October next year.

While venue, dates and the teams involved have yet to be confirmed, the games are likely to be staged at the 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena will play host.

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said the partnership will include a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues for children across the UAE and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, added “today’s announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier home for global sports and for attracting the very best talent. As Abu Dhabi is committed to further developing as a dynamic global destination, adding the NBA to our impressive year-round portfolio of sports and entertainment events, only reinforces the UAE capital’s standing as a centre of sporting excellence.

“We look forward to the NBA playing an integral role in developing young talent and healthy lifestyles at grassroots level - the heart of the UAE’s strategy, which places great emphasis on empowering youth and building a sustainable future for the nation and future generations.”

UFC Fight Island will also return to Abu Dhabi in October next year.

Image: UFC Fight Island action at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. Credit: Etihad Arena.

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