The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will play two preseason games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 5, and Saturday, October 7 as part of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023. This was announced today by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
While tickets are still not on sale, fans can visit NBA.com/AbuDhabi to register their interest.
A growing partnership
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 is part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that last year saw the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks play the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf. In January, the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi launched an expanded second season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, featuring boys’ and girls’ leagues each composed of 450 players ages 11-14 from schools across the UAE capital.
The collaboration also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players such as Robert Horry, Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady, and Luis Scola among others. There were also a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.
The collaboration sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under Experience Abu Dhabi, the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.
“We are excited to be preparing for the new season of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 with the thrilling preseason head-to-head games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. We look forward to welcoming the players, teams, and fans to experience the destination and strengthening our efforts to bring the very best in sporting entertainment and engagement across Abu Dhabi.”
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi:
Who are the NBA superstars expected to come over?
Assuming there won’t be huge trades happening before October, the Mavericks roster will be led by 4-time NBA All-Star and 3-time All-NBA First Team member Luka Dončić and 2016 NBA champion and 8-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving – who is expected to re-sign with the team.
The Timberwolves currently features 3-time NBA All-Star and 2-time All-NBA Third Team member Karl-Anthony Towns, 3-time NBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and 2023 NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards, and veteran guard Mike Conley.
“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. Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi continues to support the NBA’s goal of introducing basketball and its values to young boys and girls in the UAE and globally, and that will be the case once again through these games and the surrounding activities.
Ralph Rivera, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director
Can’t make it to Abu Dhabi?
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will be broadcasted live in the UAE, the Middle East, and North Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel, and NBA League Pass, and fans will be able to watch it on television, online, and on social media in more than 200 countries and territories. Numerous marketing partners, including Aldar, Experience Abu Dhabi, Gatorade, Nike, and Tissot, will support the games and related events.
