• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

NBA Returns to UAE As Middle East Spreads Billions Across Sports

  • The NBA preseason will return to Abu Dhabi as UAE sovereign wealth funds have reportedly shown interest in investing in NBA teams.
  • Neighboring Qatar has already acquired a stake in the Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Mystics, and NHL’s Capitals.
UAE sovereign wealth funds have reportedly shown interest in investing in an NBA team.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

October’s NBA preseason will see the league play in Abu Dhabi for the second straight year and return to Madrid for the first time since 2016.

The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will tip off the preseason with two games (Oct. 5 and Oct. 7) at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as part of the league’s multi-year partnership formed last year with the UAE’s culture and tourism department. The NBA’s return to the UAE comes as neighboring country Qatar led the first sovereign wealth fund to buy into a major U.S. sports team in June, investing in the parent company of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals. 

In February, Bloomberg reported that Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Mubadala Capital was interested in investing in an NBA team. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is one of the world’s richest sovereign wealth funds, with an estimated $853 billion worth of assets under management. UFC fights have been held in Abu Dhabi since 2010.

Oil-rich Middle Eastern countries continue to pour billions into sports. Saudi Arabia recently added an equity stake in the Professional Fighters League as the Saudi Pro League’s soccer spending spree and LIV Golf’s potential PGA Tour merger continue to upend the global sports industry. Qatar, which owns the French soccer club PSG, recently bought the World Padel Tour.

The Mavericks will play a preseason game against reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid in the Spanish capital on October 10, marking 35 years since the NBA’s first games in Spain in 1988. Professional teams from New Zealand, Brazil, and Israel are also scheduled to travel to the U.S. this October to play preseason games against NBA teams.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8), and forward Jayson Tatum (0) and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.

Celtics Sale Set to Close in Next Two Weeks

The $6.1B deal has taken longer to close than other recent franchise sales.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.
Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center.

WNBA Trade Deadline Hits Ahead of Looming CBA Chaos

The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

Spurs Are Spending Big Now, but Can They Afford Their Future?

San Antonio traded for Fox in February ahead of the trade deadline.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.