NBA and Abu Dhabi Announce Launch of Global Academy

  • Publish date: Friday، 23 January 2026 Reading time: two min read

Historic alliance to develop global basketball talent and grow the sport through elite training, expanded youth programs and annual events.

The NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have significantly expanded their collaboration with a long-term deal that includes the launch of the NBA Global Academy in the UAE capital, officials announced.

Read More: UAE Considers Remote Work for Mothers with Children Under 10

The initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global basketball hub and deepen the sport’s development across the Middle East and beyond.

The NBA Global Academy, to be based in Abu Dhabi, will serve as the central hub for the league’s elite development and academic programmes. Designed for top high-school-age student-athletes from the UAE, the broader Middle East, and internationally, the year-round academy will offer elite training opportunities for up to 20 local boys, basketball development activities for local girls, and residential placements for 24 male prospects from around the world.

Read More: DP World Reveals Dubai Food District, a Mega Hub for Global Food Trade



The partnership’s extension also expands youth development and fan programming in the region, efforts that have already reached more than 20,000 boys and girls since 2022. The number of Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA leagues in Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain region is set to increase from four to six this season, and ultimately to 12 by 2028, amplifying grassroots engagement.

Annual basketball events in Abu Dhabi will continue, including hosting global youth and elite tournaments. The 2025 NBA Academy Showcase, held at NYU Abu Dhabi, brought together top young talent from programmes across Africa, Europe, Australia and the United States, further highlighting the emirate’s rising profile in international basketball.

Read More: Emirates to Develop Village for Cabin Crew in Dubai



His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the extended partnership “reinforces our commitment to our youth” and positions Abu Dhabi as a leading sports destination. He emphasised that the academy and expanded hosting of NBA Global Games will inspire the next generation and support broader community goals around healthy living and cultural exchange.

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum underscored the success of the collaboration in growing basketball participation in the UAE and the Middle East, expressing eagerness to continue building on this momentum with the Global Academy launch.

The deal also ensures Abu Dhabi continues hosting NBA Global Games and a spectrum of fan-centric activities, with future game schedules and participating teams to be announced at a later date.