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The NBA has played preseason games in the Middle East for four consecutive years, but the league will not be traveling there this year.
According to ESPN, the ongoing war overseas will halt the league from traveling there for a fifth year in a row.
Games have been played at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi since 2022, with the first game featuring the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks. Two games have been played each year since.
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An overall view of tipoff during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks as part of the NBA Global Games Abu Dhabi on Oct. 2, 2025, at Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates. (NBAE via Getty Images)
ESPN said the league had conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Wizards about playing in the Middle East this preseason.
The NBA has not yet made plans to head there during the regular season, nor did it announce any games there this preseason.
Two preseason games are slated to be held in China this October.
An overall view of Etihad Arena before the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics game on Oct. 6, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA has recently expanded its relationship with the Middle East, even exploring possibly hosting its first game in Doha, Qatar, according to ESPN, though those plans were never finalized or announced.
The NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism extended their partnership in January, which includes preseason NBA Global Games, expanded marketing efforts and the launch of an NBA Global Academy in the city.
Regular-season games will be played in France, England, and Mexico this season.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Ralph Rivera, managing director, NBA Europe and Middle East, during the Abu Dhabi games announcement at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 10, 2022, in United Arab Emirates. (Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks began their championship run with a preseason game in Abu Dhabi last October.
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