• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 24, 2024

NBA Taps Abu Dhabi For Preseason Games Featuring Bucks, Hawks

  • The games will inaugurate a multiyear partnership between the league and the nation’s department of culture and tourism.
  • In addition, the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards will play a preseason game in Japan.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA will travel overseas for the first time since 2019, and in the process host games in a new, if controversial market.

The league announced that the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks will play two preseason games in Abu Dhabi, the first time the NBA has played in the United Arab Emirates and on the Arabian Gulf. 

The games are scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 8 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The “Abu Dhabi Games 2022” will inaugurate a multiyear partnership between the NBA and Abu Dhabi’s department of culture and tourism.

Additionally, the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards will play in Saitama, Japan, for games on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. 

The latter games will perhaps be under less scrutiny than those in Abu Dhabi, due to that nation’s history of human rights abuses.

In Abu Dhabi, homosexuality can be punishable by death, and any LGTBQ activity is considered criminal. In 2016, the league took the All-Star Game out of Charlotte due to a discriminatory bathroom law targeted at the LGTBQ community. 

Likewise, the NBA can expect similar backlash for games held in Abu Dhabi.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Why NBA Western Execs Are Pushing for End to Conference Seeding

The playoff format will only change if over 75% of teams agree.

Reader Mailbag: Why Are NBA Ratings Down to Start the Season?

NBA viewership is down 28% on ESPN through the first four weeks.

NBA Legend Hubie Brown Stepping Away From ESPN at 91

Brown has been associated with the league for over 50 years.
Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers play during the second half at TD Garden.

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers and peaked at 2.7 million.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How Conference Expansion Has Changed College Football

0:00

Featured Today

Can an Elite Women’s Soccer School Survive the New College Sports Moneyball?

Santa Clara faces an uphill battle in the new college sports landscape.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:
November 22, 2024

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.

Premier League Transfer Spending Has Already Topped $2 Billion As Deadline Looms

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
August 11, 2024

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

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
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.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
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.
July 25, 2024

Olympics: Despite Concerns, Star Athletes and Paris Spark Hope

Hope rises for a resurgent event after two pandemic-marred Olympics.