NBA cancels planned Doha games amid Middle East tensions
The NBA has abandoned its tentative schedule for games in Doha, ending trips that were being discussed for several teams because of regional instability.
The league had been arranging fall games in Doha, with the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets slated to travel there and the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat eyeing a stop in Abu Dhabi before heading to Qatar. None of the visits were officially announced. Recent Middle East unrest prompted the NBA to scrap the plans, citing safety and logistical concerns.
Why it matters
It shows how geopolitical unrest can disrupt major sports leagues' international expansion plans.
In this story
NBADohaAbu Dhabiinternational gamesMiddle East situationWizardsNetsCavaliersHeat