Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIAHD)
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced the two teams for the annual NBA Abu Dhabi Games, presented by ADQ.
Headlining the pre-season exhibition gala act will be the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. There will be two games as usual – on October 2 and 4 (Thursday and Saturday) – with other entertainment activities around it and held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The Knicks feature two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and 2022 NBA All-Defensive team member Mikal Bridges. Bridges and Brunson will be returning to Abu Dhabi, having visited the emirate as members of the USA national team prior to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Towns will also be making a second visit, in different team colours, having come in 2023 as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 76ers currently feature 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid was also part of the USA Basketball squad which prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, using Abu Dhabi as a training venue.
The Knicks president Leon Rose said: "This will serve as a strong way to tip off our 2025-26 season and provide our players with a special opportunity to showcase and grow the game we love worldwide."
Josh Harris, the managing partner at 76ers, said: " As an organisation, we're committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans throughout the world. We're proud to be part of the NBA's efforts to grow the game internationally and look forward to representing the city of Philadelphia while engaging with the vibrant community in the UAE."
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games will air live in the UAE, across the Middle East and around the world, reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. Ticket sales information will be announced at a later date. Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting visitabudhabi.ae or follow @NBAArabic on Instagram and X platforms.
Along with the two games in Abu Dhabi as part of a multi-year collaboration, the occasion includes in the background: youth development programming, that has reached nearly 20,000 participants since 2022; interactive fan events, featuring appearances by current and former NBA and WNBA players; an NBA 2K League exhibition event, and NBA Cares clinics promoting health and wellness. The collaboration also sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under its destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi, serve as the tourism destination partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China regions.
