Abu Dhabi to Host NBA Global Academy as DCT Extends Multiyear NBA Partnership
Abu Dhabi expands NBA partnership to include the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi, wider youth leagues and recurring NBA Global Games to boost sport and tourism.
Abu Dhabi has formalised an extended multiyear partnership with the National Basketball Association that will bring an NBA Global Academy to Abu Dhabi and broaden the emirate’s role as a regional basketball centre. The agreement, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), also secures ongoing preseason NBA Global Games in the capital and expands tourism and development initiatives across multiple territories. The NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi is central to the plan and is expected to create new development pathways for Emirati and regional athletes.
Partnership Framework and Territorial Expansion
DCT Abu Dhabi will continue its role under the Experience Abu Dhabi destination brand as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA, while the collaboration’s geography will be enlarged to include Africa, Asia, Canada and Latin America. The deal builds on earlier events and positions Abu Dhabi as a long-term host for NBA preseason exhibitions and fan experiences. Officials described the arrangement as both a sporting and economic strategy to diversify the emirate’s calendar and attract visitors year-round.
NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi: Pathways for Players
The NBA Global Academy model focuses on high-performance training, education and life-skill development, and the Abu Dhabi site will follow that holistic approach. The programme places emphasis on athletes’ health, character, and on-court development under coaches with professional, collegiate and international backgrounds. Globally, NBA Academy alumni have gone on to national team representation, NCAA Division I commitments, professional contracts and, in select cases, the NBA; the model will be adapted to serve talent across the UAE and neighbouring markets.
Expansion of Youth and Grassroots Programmes
Since 2022, NBA-backed youth initiatives in Abu Dhabi have reportedly reached more than 20,000 boys and girls through clinics, leagues and community outreach. DCT Abu Dhabi and the NBA plan to expand the local Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA footprint from four existing leagues to six this coming fall and to scale to 12 leagues by 2028. The expanded programming will include school- and community-level engagement intended to increase participation, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen coaching resources across the emirate.
Major Events: Preseason Games, Showcases and Tournaments
Abu Dhabi’s calendar will continue to feature NBA Global Games and international tournaments, including annual events that bring elite youth and professional-level competition to the capital. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ, delivered sold-out preseason matchups at Etihad Arena and helped catalyse regional interest in the sport. Organisers have confirmed additional preseason dates and team line-ups will be released at a later time, while the city will host NBA Academy-style showcases to bring top prospects together for high-level competition.
Community Impact and Economic Objectives
Officials say the partnership advances broader economic and social goals by inspiring youth, growing sports tourism and diversifying the visitor offering. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, framed the extension as a move to elevate Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global destination while creating opportunities for local athletes, coaches and sports professionals. NBA leadership noted that the collaboration has already helped grow participation and fandom across the UAE and the wider Middle East through competitions, clinics and fan activations.
Broadcast, Fan Engagement and Retail Presence
NBA programming has aired in the UAE since the 1987–88 season, and the league’s presence in Abu Dhabi has included exhibition play from multiple NBA teams since 2022. Organisers point to research showing a marked uptick in engagement: basketball participation in the UAE has increased and the fanbase has grown substantially in recent years. Fan-facing activities will continue to include player appearances, youth clinics, interactive events and retail access to official merchandise at local outlets and regional stores.
Looking ahead, the extended collaboration commits Abu Dhabi to host two annual international tournaments and to expand competitive and educational offerings tied to the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi. Officials said the multiyear plan will roll out progressively, with league and programme growth scheduled across the coming seasons and further event details to be confirmed by organisers. The combined sports, community and tourism initiatives are intended to leave a lasting legacy on the emirate’s sporting landscape and provide clearer pathways for local talent to progress to higher levels of competition.
