NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Forge Stronger Ties, Unveiling Global Academy

Abu Dhabi is advancing its ambition to become a significant basketball hub as the National Basketball Association (NBA) renews its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This long-term agreement marks the introduction of more preseason NBA Global Games to the emirate, enriches marketing and fan interaction activities, and, importantly, introduces an NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi.

The forthcoming NBA Global Academy will act as the global centre for the league’s NBA Academy initiative. It will function year-round as a premier basketball training and academic facility for elite high school-aged players from the UAE, the Middle East, and around the globe. The academy will encompass advanced training for up to 20 local boys, structured programs for UAE-based girls, and a residential facility for up to 24 international male prospects.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the extension of this partnership reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s vision to emerge as the new epicentre of basketball in the Middle East. He highlighted the significance of this collaboration in promoting youth development, enhancing community engagement, and diversifying the economy through sports and entertainment. The NBA Global Academy will offer new pathways for Emirati and UAE-based athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to gain insights from some of basketball’s leading figures, all while the hosting of NBA Global Games continues to motivate young individuals across the region to embrace the sport.

Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, noted that the collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in increasing basketball participation and enthusiasm within the UAE and the wider Middle East. He expressed excitement about leveraging this momentum in the years ahead, particularly through the new academy that is set to cultivate elite talent from the region and beyond.

As stipulated in the renewed pact, DCT Abu Dhabi, under its Experience Abu Dhabi brand, will remain the NBA’s Official Tourism Destination Partner in the Middle East, China, and Europe. The partnership will now expand to encompass Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global visibility across the league's platforms.

This collaboration aims to significantly expand youth development initiatives in the emirate. Since 2022, NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi programs have successfully reached over 20,000 boys and girls. The existing four Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues in Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Region are set to increase to six leagues this fall, with aspirations to expand this number to 12 by 2028.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi will host two international basketball tournaments annually, showcasing top youth and elite players globally. This venture begins with the 2025 NBA Academy Showcase at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus from September 25 to 27, 2025, featuring standout high school athletes from four exceptional programs: NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, IMG Academy from the U.S., INSEP in France, and Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

Following a holistic approach to player development, the NBA Academy programme emphasizes not only on-court skills but also health, character, education, and essential life skills. To date, over 150 NBA Academy athletes have represented their national teams, more than 100 have committed to or attended NCAA Division I universities in the U.S., and over 40 have transitioned to professional basketball, including 15 players reaching the NBA.

Abu Dhabi has already established itself as a fruitful venue for major NBA events. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, sponsored by ADQ, featured two sold-out preseason contests between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers on October 2 and 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. These games are part of a broader, multi-year collaboration that includes fan events, NBA 2K League exhibitions, and numerous clinics promoting health, wellness, and core values like teamwork and respect.

Since the 1987–88 season, NBA broadcasts have been present in the UAE, and since 2022, six NBA teams have participated in preseason games in Abu Dhabi. Research by YouGov indicates basketball participation in the UAE has surged by 60% since the commencement of the Abu Dhabi games, with the sport's fan base expanding over 25%.

With the impending launch of the NBA Global Academy and the growth of games and grassroots initiatives, Abu Dhabi is poised to play a more significant role in shaping the future of basketball regionally and globally.