New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers to clash in Abu Dhabi NBA Games 2025

Abu Dhabi: The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ will see the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers play two preseason matchups on October 2 and October 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The Knicks roster features two-time All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team pick Mikal Bridges. Brunson and Bridges played in Abu Dhabi with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team before the 2023 FIBA World Cup, while Towns featured in the 2023 edition of the Abu Dhabi Games with the Timberwolves.

Multi-year collaboration

The 76ers bring 2023 Kia NBA MVP Joel Embiid, nine-time All-Star Paul George, and 2024 All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid previously played in Abu Dhabi with the US team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The games are part of a multi-year collaboration between the NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Since 2022, the partnership has included NBA Global Games, youth programmes reaching nearly 20,000 participants, NBA Cares clinics, interactive fan events, and NBA 2K League exhibitions.

“Hosting the NBA Abu Dhabi Games for a fourth consecutive year reflects our commitment to growing basketball and empowering youth in the region,” said Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “We are thrilled to welcome two of the NBA’s most iconic teams — the Knicks and 76ers — to the capital.”

George Aivazoglou, NBA Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East, said: “Fans in Abu Dhabi will see two of the NBA’s most historic franchises. We look forward to engaging the local community through the games and surrounding events.”