NBA cancels Middle East preseason tour amid ongoing conflict, eyes China games
The NBA will not hold any preseason matches in the Middle East this year, citing the current war, while planning two games in China for October.
For the fifth year running, the NBA will not travel to the Middle East for preseason action, with the ongoing overseas war prompting the league to suspend its plans. Since 2022, games have been hosted at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena, featuring matchups such as the Washington Wizards versus the Golden State Warriors, with two contests each year. No regular-season games have been arranged for the region, and talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Wizards about a Saudi Arabia stop were put on hold.
The organization is, however, maintaining its broader Middle-East outreach, having extended a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and considering Qatar as a future venue. Meanwhile, the NBA will return to China in October for two preseason games, its first appearance there since 2019. Regular-season games are slated for France, England, Mexico and Germany this season.
Why it matters
Fans and sponsors lose a major market opportunity as the NBA adjusts its global schedule due to regional conflict.
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