Why is NBA Preseason Held in Abu Dhabi? All the Details Behind American League’s Mega-Deal With $503 Billion Rich City

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. In fact, it only comes behind football (soccer) in the global popularity rankings. According to a survey conducted across 18 markets by GWI, 53% of the population watched football. Basketball came in behind football with 40% of the population watching the sport. The NBA noticed the global appeal of basketball has been making moves to get the product to different parts of the world.

In 2021, NBA announced a deal with DCT Abu Dhabi that would allow the NBA to host exhibition games at the $503 billion dollar city.

Abu Dhabi to Host NBA Stars

The NBA is committed to growing the sport beyond the borders of the USA. They have done this successfully in countries like China and Mexico. As both countries have a massive fanbase that follows the sport religiously. Abu Dhabi provides the NBA a new frontier to expand in. The NBA signed a multiyear deal with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi to host exhibition games at the Etihad Arena. This year, the Mavericks and the Timberwolves will play two preseason games on October 5th and October 7th.

NBA’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said, “There are a number of reasons the NBA is excited to come to Abu Dhabi one of which being we have a lot of basketball fans here. The UAE is number two in terms of our NBA Pass consumption and number two in terms of our NBA 2K League consumption as well. When we look to bring our games outside of the US, we look for world-class facilities; Abu Dhabi certainly has that and is used to hosting huge international events”. Last year, Abu Dhabi hosted Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks and Trae Young’s Hawks.

Abu Dhabi: The New Frontier

The deal signed between Abu Dhabi and the NBA is not just limited to hosting exhibition games. Junior NBA week will also return, it will be hosted between 2nd October to 8th October. The Jr. The NBA week will reach approximately 2,500 youth and 250 coaches from the UAE and across the Middle East and Europe, according to reports.

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The collaboration will include a variety of interactive fan events featuring NBA legends. Various fitness clinics and an NBA 2K exhibition event. The NBA week will also include clinics for Jr. NBA schools, coaches, and referees. From October 4th-6th, NBA Basketball Schools from Australia, Brazil, Kuwait, and the UAE will participate in a three-day tournament at Repton School. What are your thoughts on the NBA’s aggressive expansion? Let us know in the comments below!

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