The National Basketball Association and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi have announced a long-term renewal of their partnership, solidifying Abu Dhabi's role as a key hub for basketball in the Middle East. The agreement will see the continuation of NBA Global Games pre-season matches in the emirate, alongside the launch of a new NBA Global Academy that will serve as a year-round development center for elite high-school-age athletes from the region and beyond.

In addition to high-profile games featuring top teams and players, the collaboration will expand youth and fan programming, including community clinics, junior leagues, and annual youth tournaments. These initiatives have already led to a significant increase in basketball participation and fandom in the UAE, with plans to further grow the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues in the coming years.

Officials from both sides highlighted the partnership's impact on sport and youth development, emphasizing new pathways for local athletes and coaches, as well as the broader benefits of promoting healthy lifestyles and the universal values of sport. Abu Dhabi's evolving role in the NBA's international strategy will be further supported by expanded commercial partnerships and additional details on future games to be announced soon.