The NBA is coming to Abu Dhabi

The matches will take place in October.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will be coming to Abu Dhabi it has been announced.

The news revealed today (16 November) sees the major basketball league in the USA, bouncing into the capital after the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi agreed a multiyear partnership to host matches in the UAE.

 

 

Beginning in October 2022, the NBA will host two preseason matches in the nations’ capital and will be the first time sides from USA have played in the Arabian Gulf.

The agreement will also see a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues for schoolchildren across the UAE, a series of NBA Fit Clinics and a NBA 2K League exhibition event.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the deal is a further demonstration of Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract top-level sports events.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “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.”

Participating teams and the host venue will be announced at a later date but fans can express their interest by registering online at NBA.

It’s an exciting time for basketball fans after the city hosted The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.

 

For all the latest sporting news in Abu Dhabi, visit Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life

 

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Matt Cassidy

When he is not hunting for the latest piece of Abu Dhabi news, Matt is ticking off his UAE bucket-list experiences (although he does love to take a break to test out the fine restaurants and bars of the capital). An armchair sports lover, he is on a personal mission to attend every sporting event in the UAE to make out for most likely missing the big one in Doha in November.