This is the second time the event has taken place in the UAE capital.
The NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023, featuring two preseason games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The games will take place on Thursday, 5 October and Saturday, 7 October, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The Dallas Mavericks feature Luka Dončić, a four-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team member, as well as Kyrie Irving, a 2016 NBA champion and eight-time NBA All-Star. The Minnesota Timberwolves feature Karl-Anthony Towns, a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team member, Rudy Gobert, a three-time NBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, and Anthony Edwards, a 2023 NBA All-Star.
Commenting on the announcement, Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said, “The Dallas Mavericks certainly recognise the importance of globalising the game of basketball. For many years, we have enjoyed international players and a growing international fanbase. We are honoured to play the game we love for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi and around the world. We appreciate all who have worked so hard to create this exciting opportunity for our team and our fans.”
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 is part of a long-term collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which began with the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks playing the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf last year. Additionally, the collaboration includes interactive fan events, NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, an NBA 2K League exhibition event, and a second season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, featuring boys’ and girls’ leagues composed of 450 players ages 11 to 14 from schools across the UAE capital.
“Following the success of last year’s games and events that welcomed fans from across the globe to Abu Dhabi, we’re excited to return in the 2023 preseason with two great matchups between the Mavericks and Timberwolves and some of the best players in the world,” said Ralph Rivera, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will be broadcast live in the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel, and NBA League Pass.
DSCVR: NBA Abu Dhabi, Etihad Arena, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. @etihadarena.ae
