Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena confirmed as host for pre-season NBA games

May 10, 2022

Sport / Tourism / Venues /

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena has been confirmed as the host of two pre-season NBA games between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks in October.

Marking the NBA’s first-ever fixtures in the Arabian Gulf, the games will take place at the 18,000-capacity venue on 6th and 8th October.

The games follow the NBA having signed, in November last year, a multi-year deal to stage games in Abu Dhabi from 2022. The venue, dates and teams were not revealed at the time but full details have now been confirmed today.

Earlier this year, the partnership between the NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) saw the launch of the first Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, a youth basketball league for 450 boys and girls aged 11-14 from local schools.

The partnership also includes interactive fan events featuring appearances from current and former NBA players, as well as NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event at Middle East Film & Comic Con.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s ‘Visit Abu Dhabi’ tourism promotion initiative will also serve as the official tourism destination partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

Announcing the games, Ralph Rivera, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director, stated “bringing the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks to Abu Dhabi in October is an important milestone in the NBA and basketball’s global growth.

“In addition to the games, we look forward to engaging fans through a variety of interactive events and giving back to the local community through NBA Cares initiatives and youth development clinics that will teach the sport and its values to young boys and girls.”

DCT Abu Dhabi Director General, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry added “we are thrilled to be hosting the UAE’s first NBA games in Abu Dhabi and look forward to welcoming the Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks and basketball fans from across the world to discover this incredible city and experience our authentic Emirati culture for themselves.

“Basketball has the ability to unite communities, and the spirit of the game will be felt by players and visitors, both on and off the court. The unveiling of the NBA teams marks an important milestone in our wider partnership with this world-class sports organisation.”

In March, the NBA announced that it will head to Japan for two pre-season games in September and October, which will mark the league’s first fixtures outside of North America in more than two and a half years.

The Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards will play two games at the Saitama Super Arena on 30th September and 2nd October.

Main image: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.

29th April 2022 - Dubai’s Atlantis Aquaventure and CLYMB Abu Dhabi among MENALAC 2022 award winners

28th April 2022 - SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on target for 2023 opening

7th January 2022 - Middle East Film and Comic Con event to run in Abu Dhabi in March

4th January 2022 - Tickets on sale for FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi

21st December 2021 - FINA 25 metre World Swimming Championships come to a close in Abu Dhabi

18th November 2021 - NBA to play preseason games in Abu Dhabi in October 2022

16th November 2021 - World’s first Warner Bros. Hotel opened on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

25th September 2021 - 2026 opening date revealed for long delayed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

17th August 2021 - UFC Fight Island set to return to Abu Dhabi in October

25th July 2021 - World Health Organization adviser says big sporting crowds should be banned

29th June 2021 - Live concerts to return to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island from July

25th May 2021 - Remainder of Pakistan Super League season to be played in Abu Dhabi

25th February 2021 - NBA Sacramento Kings access sport technology advances through partnership with Australian Catholic University

8th January 2021 - Abu Dhabi’s new Etihad Arena to open with fans in attendance for UFC fights

17th February 2020 - Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena to open in April

25th October 2019 - China blacks out coverage of opening games of NBA season

2nd October 2019 - Former NBA star heads new Brisbane Bullets ownership group

19th July 2019 - Sydney Kings name NBA great Luc Longley as new special advisor

11th July 2019 - Former NBA stars purchase ownership stake in South East Melbourne Phoenix

9th August 2018 - NBA China announces inaugural NBA Championship touring exhibition

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.