New York Knicks to face Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 on Oct. 2 & Oct. 4
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 will feature the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers playing two preseason games on Thursday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Fans can look forward to a star-studded lineup on court. The Knicks currently feature two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team member Mikal Bridges. The 76ers currently feature 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
NBA legends Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose, Mark Jackson, John Starks, Rudy Gay and Michael Carter-Williams will headline an expanded fourth edition of NBA District, an interactive fan event that will be held from Thursday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Oct. 5 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Fans will be able to participate in basketball activities on a full-size NBA court, take photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, purchase limited-edition and customized NBA merchandise, attend panel sessions with select legends, and more. Musical artists Siilawy, Tul8te, DJ Jack, Stick no bills and DJ D-Nice will headline a concert at NBA District on Friday Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. CST. A “Sunday Coffee Rave” on Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. CST will feature a performance by local DJ Abu Dhabi House Movement.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that features preseason NBA Global Games, youth development programming that has reached nearly 20,000 participants since 2022, interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA and WNBA players, an NBA 2K League exhibition event, and NBA Cares social impact programming focused on health, wellness and sustainability. The collaboration also sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under its destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.