NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Strengthen Ties with Global Academy Launch

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a significant move to elevate basketball in the region, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a long-term extension of its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This renewed collaboration will not only introduce additional preseason NBA Global Games to Abu Dhabi but will also include a focus on marketing and fan engagement activities, culminating in the establishment of an NBA Global Academy in the city.

This new global academy will function as the cornerstone of the league's NBA Academy program, serving as a year-round institution dedicated to the development of elite basketball players from around the world, particularly those aged high school level from the UAE and the Middle East. The academy will cater to up to 20 boys from the UAE, implement specialized programs for girls, and accommodate 24 male international prospects.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed that this extended partnership underscores the emirate's aspiration to establish itself as the basketball hub of the Middle East. He emphasized that this collaboration not only promotes youth engagement but also diversifies the local economy through sports and entertainment. Moreover, the academy will create diverse learning opportunities for Emirati athletes and coaches, while the ongoing NBA Global Games will inspire youth across the region to embrace the sport.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on increasing basketball participation in the UAE and the wider Middle East. He looks forward to leveraging the new academy to cultivate elite talent both locally and globally.

The renewed agreement also sees DCT Abu Dhabi reaffirmed as the NBA's Official Tourism Destination Partner across the Middle East, as well as extending its reach into Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America, thus enhancing Abu Dhabi's international profile through the league.

Youth development programs are set for significant expansion, with over 20,000 boys and girls already engaged in initiatives since 2022. The existing Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will increase from four to six leagues this fall, aiming to reach twelve leagues by 2028.

Additionally, Abu Dhabi will host two international basketball tournaments annually featuring top youth and elite players globally. The inaugural NBA Academy Showcase will kick off at NYU Abu Dhabi from September 25-27, 2025, gathering exceptional high school talents from the NBA Academy Africa, IMG Academy, INSEP, and Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

The NBA Academy adopts a holistic development approach, focusing on athletic skills and encompassing health, character, education, and life skills. To date, over 150 NBA Academy participants have represented their national teams, while more than 100 have pursued education at NCAA Division I universities, with over 40 progressing to professional basketball, including 15 in the NBA.

Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its capability as a prominent venue for major NBA events, hosting the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, which featured sold-out preseason matches between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. These events are part of a larger commitment that includes fan engagements, the NBA 2K League exhibitions, and various clinics aimed at promoting health, wellness, and core values of teamwork and respect.

Since the 1987-88 season, NBA games have been broadcast in the UAE, with six teams participating in preseason games since 2022. According to YouGov data, basketball participation in the UAE surged by 60% following the Abu Dhabi games, while the sport's follower base has expanded by over 25%.

With the introduction of the NBA Global Academy and the enhancement of grassroots programs, Abu Dhabi is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of basketball in the region and beyond.