NBA selects country for increased presence as world expansion continues
The NBA is still set on expanding and accessing new markets, with one nation is in its sights.
The NBA has taken a significant step in strengthening its global sphere of influence by renewing and expanding its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi.
The agreement, unveiled this week, ensures that the league will bring more high-profile basketball events and programmes to the United Arab Emirates capital in the years ahead.
Under the new arrangement, the NBA will continue staging NBA Global Games in Abu Dhabi, including annual preseason matchups that have become a regular feature since the partnership began. Over the past four years, teams from across the league have visited the emirate, drawing enthusiastic crowds and demonstrating basketball’s growing appeal in the region.
One of the most ambitious elements of the extended collaboration is the launch of the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi. Positioned as a centre for elite player development, the academy will offer a year-round programme aimed at high-school-age athletes from the UAE, the Middle East and beyond.
We’re extending our long-term collaboration with the NBA, launching the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi and expanding youth and community basketball programmes across the emirate.@NBA pic.twitter.com/lNu8yRfT3z
— Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) January 22, 2026
Abu Dhabi “the new home of basketball in the Middle East”
“Extending our partnership with the NBA further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as the new home of basketball in the Middle East and reinforces our commitment to our youth, inspiring our community, diversifying the economy, and elevating the emirate’s standing as a global destination,” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a statement.
“The establishment of the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi will open pathways for Emirati and UAE-based athletes, coaches and sports professionals to learn from the world’s best, while our long-term hosting of the NBA Global Games will inspire the next generation. Beyond bringing world-class sporting events to our capital, the NBA’s youth programs and grassroots initiatives encourage healthy, active lifestyles and connect our residents to the universal values of sport. This multiyear commitment reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be a hub for culture, entertainment and excellence, for both our residents and visitors alike.”
“Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in growing basketball participation and fandom in the UAE and across the Middle East,” NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said.
NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced an extension of their existing collaboration that will feature preseason NBA Global Games, expanded marketing activities, and the launch of an NBA Global Academy in the UAE capital. pic.twitter.com/9iihM2y7DI
— Karol Sliwa (@Karol__Sliwa) January 22, 2026
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In addition to basketball training, the initiative will integrate academic education, character development and life skills designed to support the next generation of talent. As part of this effort, local girls will also benefit from expanded basketball development opportunities.
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