The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a long-term extension of their partnership to enhance basketball activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration will include preseason NBA Global Games, the launch of an NBA Global Academy, and expanded youth development and fan engagement initiatives.

The NBA Global Academy, set to be based in Abu Dhabi, will serve as a central hub for elite basketball development, targeting high-school-age athletes from the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond. The academy will offer elite training for up to 20 local boys and basketball activities for local girls, alongside residential programmes for 24 international prospects.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated, “Extending our partnership with the NBA further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as the new home of basketball in the Middle East.” NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum added, “Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in growing basketball participation and fandom in the UAE and across the Middle East.”

The partnership will also see the expansion of youth leagues, growing from four to 12 by 2028, and the hosting of two annual basketball tournaments featuring top youth players globally. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, featuring the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, highlighted the success of this collaboration.

This extended partnership aims to inspire the next generation of basketball enthusiasts and elevate Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sports destination. Further details on future NBA preseason games in Abu Dhabi will be announced later.