Dallas Mavericks And Minnesota Timberwolves To Play In NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023

The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will play head-to-head in two preseason games in Abu Dhabi next season, the league and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced Tuesday.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will occur on October 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, continuing the growth of the NBA’s global footprint.

“The Dallas Mavericks certainly recognize the importance of globalizing the game of basketball,” Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said in a statement. “For many years, we have enjoyed international players and a growing international fanbase.

“We are honored 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 multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi. Last year, the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks played the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf.

“As the NBA continues its global expansion, the Minnesota Timberwolves are honored to be selected for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games,” said Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson. “Thank you to the NBA and the host city of Abu Dhabi for allowing us the opportunity to bring fans together through the game of basketball.”

In January, the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi expanded the 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
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 NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera.

“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.”

The collaboration also includes a variety of fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. Further, DCT Abu Dhabi serves as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

NBA games have aired in the UAE since the 1987-88 season. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will air live in the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass. The game broadcasts will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.

“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,” said H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.

“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.”