Basketball May 9, 2025

NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025: Knicks and 76ers Ready for Fourth-Year UAE Showdown

Basketball fans, rejoice! The NBA, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has officially confirmed that the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 will feature the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in preseason matchups on Thursday, October 2, and Saturday, October 4, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

As anticipation builds, be sure to stay in touch with ES Sport for ticket packages offering exclusive access, VIP experiences, hospitality, and hotel accommodation.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 will be broadcast live across the UAE, the Middle East, and globally, reaching fans in more than 200 countries through television, digital and social media platforms.

As part of a multiannual collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, the 2025 edition will feature preseason NBA Global Games, a youth development programme that has engaged just shy of 20,000 participants since 2022, interactive fan events with appearances from current and former NBA and WNBA players, an NBA 2K League exhibition event, and NBA Cares clinics promoting health and wellness. Through this partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi—under its destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi—acts as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and China.

Elite Players and Familiar Faces

The Knicks boast a formidable lineup featuring two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team member Mikal Bridges. Both Bridges and Brunson are no strangers to Abu Dhabi, having represented the USA Basketball (USAB) Men’s National Team during preparations for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Towns, meanwhile, made his mark in the UAE as part of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games.

The 76ers bring their own star power, headlined by 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George, and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid previously graced Abu Dhabi’s courts as a member of the USAB Men’s National Team in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, further strengthening his connection to the region.

Press Conference Insights

H.E., Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

“Hosting The NBA Abu Dhabi Games for a fourth consecutive year, in collaboration with the NBA, reflects our strategic commitment to growing basketball and empowering youth in the UAE and the region. We are thrilled to welcome two of the NBA’s most iconic teams – the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers – for the games in 2025, and their participation reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.”

NBA Managing Director, Europe and Middle East, George Aivazoglou:

“Fans in Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to see two of the NBA’s historic franchises when the Knicks and 76ers face off in October. We look forward to engaging fans and aspiring players from the local community and across the region for the fourth consecutive year, through our games and surrounding events.”

New York Knicks President Leon Rose:

“It’s an exciting moment for our entire organization to participate in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games. This will serve as a strong way to tip off our 2025-26 season and provide our players with a special opportunity to showcase and grow the game we love around the world.”

Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris:

“Bringing the Philadelphia 76ers to Abu Dhabi is an incredible opportunity to connect with new fans in a dynamic and growing region. As an organization, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans throughout the world. We’re proud to be part of the NBA’s efforts to grow the game internationally and look forward to representing the city of Philadelphia while engaging with the vibrant community in the UAE.”

Time to Enjoy Abu Dhabi’s Global Basketball Stage

With the stage set and excitement building, the 2025 NBA Abu Dhabi Games promise to deliver top-tier basketball action, global fan engagement, and a unique cultural exchange in the heart of the UAE. As the Knicks and 76ers prepare to tip off, Abu Dhabi solidifies its reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events, further strengthening its partnership with the NBA and highlighting its commitment to the global growth of the sport.

For premium access to The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 October 2 and 4, explore exclusive ES Sport ticket packages, offering VIP experiences, first-class hospitality, and luxury accommodation options.