As the drama of this year’s NBA Playoffs starts Stateside, basketball fans in the Middle East can already start preparing for October with the announcement that the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will compete in two pre-season matches in Abu Dhabi.
As the latest installment of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games series – presented by ADQ – returns for a fourth year, basketball fans across the region will be given the Big Apple treatement, as two of the most exciting teams in the Eastern Conference will compete in two exhibition matches games on Thursday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
“Hosting The NBA Abu Dhabi Games for a fourth consecutive year, in collaboration with the NBA, reflects our strategic commitment to growing basketball and empowering youth in the UAE and the region,” said H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in a statement.
The Knicks currently feature two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team member Mikal Bridges. Bridges and Brunson previously played in Abu Dhabi as members of the USA Basketball (USAB) Men’s National Team prior to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Towns participated in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 76ers currently feature 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid previously played in Abu Dhabi as a member of the USAB Men’s National Team prior to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ will air live in the UAE, across the Middle East and around the world, reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.
Ticket sales information will be announced at a later date. Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting visitabudhabi.ae. Special ticket packages offering premium access, VIP experiences, hospitality and local hotel accommodations will be available for purchase at nbaexperiences.com/nba-abu-dhabi-games-2025.