By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA revealed the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers as the teams to expand their respective campaigns in the 2025 Preseason to Abu Dhabi presented by ADQ.
The prep games will be played on October 2 and 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, as announced on Thursday.
“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,” noted Saleh Al Geziry, director general for tourism at the department of culture and tourism, Abu Dhabi, “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.”
The previous visitors were the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks in 2022, the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023, and the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics in 2024.
“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,” added George Aivazoglou, managing director of the NBA for Europe and Middle East, “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.”
In connection with the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Abu Dhabi is set to host the Final Four of the 2024-25 season between May 23 and 25.