NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Extend Partnership to Bring More Global Games, Youth Programs, and the NBA Global Academy to the UAE
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a long-term renewal of their strategic collaboration, expanding the UAE’s role as a global hub for basketball. The extended partnership will include NBA Global Games, the launch of an NBA Global Academy, enhanced youth programs, and broader fan engagement activities across the region.
The NBA Global Academy, to be established in Abu Dhabi, will serve as the league’s global hub for elite basketball training and academic development. It will provide a year-round program for top high-school-age athletes from the UAE, the Middle East, and around the world. The academy will feature elite training for up to 20 local boys, development programs for girls, and residential programs for 24 international male prospects.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Role as a Global Sports Hub
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the extended partnership reinforces the emirate’s growing reputation as a leading sports and entertainment destination.
“Extending our partnership with the NBA further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as the new home of basketball in the Middle East,” he said. “The NBA Global Academy will open pathways for UAE-based athletes and professionals to learn from the best, while the NBA Global Games will inspire the next generation. Beyond major events, this partnership promotes healthy lifestyles and connects our community through sport.”
Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the collaboration’s success in growing the sport’s fan base and participation levels in the region.
“Our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in expanding basketball’s reach in the UAE and across the Middle East,” he said. “The launch of the NBA Global Academy will further develop elite talent locally and globally.”
Expanding Youth Development and Fan Engagement
Under the renewed agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Experience Abu Dhabi brand will continue as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA across the Middle East, China, and Europe, with expanded territories now including Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America.
The collaboration will also extend the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs, which have already reached over 20,000 young players since 2022. The leagues will expand from four to six in 2026, with a goal of twelve leagues by 2028, deepening grassroots engagement across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
In addition, Abu Dhabi will host two annual basketball tournaments for elite youth players, beginning with the NBA Academy Showcase 2025, held at NYU Abu Dhabi. The event featured top athletes from the NBA Academy Africa (Senegal), IMG Academy (U.S.), INSEP (France), and the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.
Long-Term Impact and Growth of Basketball in the UAE
The NBA Academy initiative focuses on holistic athlete development, combining high-level coaching, academic support, wellness programs, and life skills. To date, over 150 NBA Academy athletes have represented their national teams, more than 100 have joined U.S. NCAA Division I schools, and 40 have signed professional contracts, including 15 who have advanced to the NBA.
Since the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022, basketball participation in the UAE has risen by 60%, while the sport’s fanbase has grown by more than 25%, according to YouGov research.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ, featured two sold-out preseason matchups between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. The renewed agreement ensures Abu Dhabi will continue hosting NBA preseason games in the years ahead, with future schedules and teams to be announced later.
