NBA Halts 2026 Middle East Preseason Games as War Ends 4-Year Abu Dhabi Run
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 30
NBA Halts 2026 Middle East Preseason Games as War Ends 4-Year Abu Dhabi Run
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30
Summary
The NBA will not stage preseason games in the Middle East in 2026, shelving what would have been a fifth straight year of exhibitions there.
Ongoing war in the region drove the decision, according to ESPN, after the league had discussed possible games in Saudi Arabia with the Cavaliers, Heat, Nets and Wizards.
Abu Dhabi had hosted two NBA preseason games each year since 2022 at Etihad Arena, even as the league broadened talks to other Gulf markets including Qatar.
The pause comes despite a January extension of the NBA's Abu Dhabi partnership; the league still plans regular-season games in France, England, Mexico and Germany, plus preseason games in China in October.