NBA extends collaboration with Abu Dhabi, launches Global Academy
The NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a long-term extension of their partnership, bringing expanded preseason NBA Global Games, fan events, and the launch of an NBA Global Academy to the UAE capital. The agreement also includes additional youth programming and development initiatives for local communities.
The NBA Global Academy will serve as a year-round elite basketball and academic program for high-school-age athletes from the UAE, the Middle East, and worldwide. It will host up to 20 local boys in advanced training programs, offer basketball development activities for local girls, and accommodate 24 international male prospects in residential programs.
Abu Dhabi strengthens its role in global basketball
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the extended partnership solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as the hub of basketball in the Middle East. The NBA Global Academy will provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to learn from global experts while inspiring youth through world-class sporting events.
The multiyear initiative will also promote healthy lifestyles, community engagement, and the values of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Al Mubarak highlighted that this commitment reinforces Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions as a destination for culture, entertainment, and sporting excellence.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum noted the collaboration’s success in growing participation and fandom across the UAE and the Middle East. He said the NBA Global Academy will further support the development of elite players from the region and beyond.
Expansion of youth programs and international competitions
Since 2022, NBA youth programs in Abu Dhabi have reached more than 20,000 children. The extended partnership will increase the number of Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues from four to six this fall and expand to 12 leagues by 2028.
Abu Dhabi will also host annual basketball tournaments for top youth and elite players, beginning with the NBA Academy Showcase 2025, held at NYU Abu Dhabi. This event featured high-school-age players from NBA Academy Africa, IMG Academy, INSEP, and the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.
The NBA Academy program emphasizes holistic player development, health and wellness, life skills, and basketball fundamentals. Over 150 student-athletes have represented national teams, more than 100 have attended NCAA Division I schools, and over 40 have played professionally, including 15 NBA players.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games continue to drive fan engagement
The 2025 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, presented by ADQ, featured sold-out preseason games between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Since 2022, eight NBA teams have participated in Abu Dhabi preseason events, resulting in a 60% increase in basketball participation and a 25% growth in fanbase in the UAE.
The partnership includes interactive fan experiences, NBA 2K League exhibitions, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinics, and NBA Cares programs, all promoting sportsmanship, health, and wellness. DCT Abu Dhabi, through Experience Abu Dhabi, will continue as the Official Tourism Destination Partner across the Middle East, China, Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America.
Fans can follow NBAArabic on Instagram and X for updates, or shop official NBA merchandise online at NBAStoreME.com and at the NBA Store at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.
