NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Strengthen Alliance with Global Academy Launch

Abu Dhabi is solidifying its role as a premier basketball center in the region as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) unveil a long-term extension of their partnership. This renewed alliance will introduce more preseason NBA Global Games to the emirate and intensify marketing and fan engagement initiatives, culminating in the inauguration of an NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi.

The forthcoming NBA Global Academy will act as the central hub for the NBA Academy programme worldwide. It will function year-round as an elite development and academic institution tailored for high-school-age players from the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond. The academy will provide advanced training for 20 boys based in the UAE, structured basketball programs for girls, and a residential opportunity for 24 international male prospects.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that this extended partnership showcases Abu Dhabi’s aim to emerge as the basketball hub of the Middle East. He asserted that the collaboration enhances youth development, fosters community links, and contributes to economic diversification through sports and entertainment. He further noted that the NBA Global Academy will pave the way for Emirati and UAE-based athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to gain insights from top industry experts and that the ongoing hosting of NBA Global Games will motivate youth in the region to engage with the sport.

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum pointed out that the collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in boosting basketball engagement and support in the UAE and the broader Middle East. He expressed anticipation for further success in the future, especially through the new academy, which aims to nurture elite talent both locally and globally.

As part of the renewed partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi, through its branding as Experience Abu Dhabi, will continue serving as the NBA's Official Tourism Destination Partner across the Middle East, China, and Europe. This partnership will now extend to include regions such as Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America, enhancing Abu Dhabi's global presence through the league's platforms.

The collaboration will notably broaden youth development initiatives in Abu Dhabi. Since 2022, over 20,000 boys and girls have benefited from NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi initiatives. The existing four Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will expand to six leagues this fall, with plans to grow to twelve leagues by 2028.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi is set to host two international basketball tournaments annually, featuring top youth and elite athletes from across the globe. This initiative will kick off with the 2025 NBA Academy Showcase, scheduled for 25 to 27 September 2025 at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus, uniting top high-school-age players from four prestigious programs: NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, IMG Academy in the United States, INSEP in France, and the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

The NBA Academy programme adopts a comprehensive approach to player development, emphasizing not just on-court skills but also health, character, education, and life skills. Over the years, more than 150 athletes from the NBA Academy have represented their national teams, with over 100 committing to or attending NCAA Division I universities in the United States, and more than 40 progressing to professional play, including 15 who have joined the NBA.

Abu Dhabi has successfully hosted numerous prominent NBA events. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ, featured two sold-out preseason matches between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers on 2 and 4 October at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. These games are part of an extensive partnership that includes fan events, NBA 2K League exhibitions, alongside clinics promoting wellness and core values like teamwork and respect.

Since the 1987–88 season, NBA games have been aired in the UAE, with six teams participating in preseason games in Abu Dhabi since 2022. According to YouGov research, basketball participation in the UAE has surged by 60% since the inception of the Abu Dhabi games, while the sport's fan base has expanded by over 25% in the region.

With the launch of the NBA Global Academy and the growth of games and grassroots initiatives, Abu Dhabi is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of basketball in the region and worldwide.