The NBA has decided not to hold preseason games in the Middle East ahead of the 2026/2027 season. This means that, for the first time in five years, the league’s off‑season will take place without matches in the region.
According to ESPN, the decision to cancel the games stems from the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran. Although the NBA did not publicly announce a return to Abu Dhabi in 2026, the league had previously been actively discussing the possibility of preseason matchups featuring the Cleveland, Miami, Brooklyn, and Washington teams.
In addition, the option of hosting the first‑ever NBA game in Doha was under consideration. Insider reports suggest that one of the planned scenarios involved two games during a single trip: one in the capital of Qatar and another in Abu Dhabi. Ultimately, these plans were not implemented.
At the same time, the NBA does not intend to abandon the idea of holding games in Qatar in the long term. Doha will host the 2027 FIBA World Cup, and the league viewed a preseason game as part of the preparation for this major tournament.
Despite the cancellation of Middle Eastern games in 2026, the NBA’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism remains in effect. In January, the parties extended their agreement, which includes organizing future preseason games, developing joint marketing initiatives, and launching the NBA Global Academy in the UAE capital.
According to ESPN, the NBA plans to resume preseason games in Abu Dhabi in the coming years.
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