The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 will feature the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets in two preseason games on October 4 and October 6 in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi that features preseason NBA Global Games, the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, a variety of interactive fan events, NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. The collaboration also sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under Experience Abu Dhabi, serve as the official tourism destination partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.
“We’re excited to bring two of the best teams in the NBA to Abu Dhabi in the Celtics and the Nuggets,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “There is incredible momentum around basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East, and we believe these games as well as our year-round grassroots development and fan engagement efforts will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the game in the region.”
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 featured the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. For 2024, ticket sales information and the venue for the games will be announced at a later date. Special ticket packages offering premium access, VIP experiences, hospitality and local hotel accommodations will be available for purchase.
“Our collaboration with the NBA supports our strategy of empowering youth in the UAE, the region and beyond,” said Saleh Al Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “With the event now in its third year, we are excited to once again host The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 and build on our track record of hosting top-tier sporting events.”
The Nuggets currently feature two-time Most Valuable Player and six-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
“The Denver Nuggets organization couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to visit and play NBA games in Abu Dhabi this coming preseason,” said Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke. “We look forward to this unique experience and being able to help expand the global reach of our great league.”
The Celtics currently feature five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, three-time NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown, 2021 NBA champion Jrue Holiday and 2018 NBA All-Star Kristaps Porziņģis. Holiday participated in the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022 as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
“The Boston Celtics have a rich history of international travel and countless fans worldwide, and we welcome this opportunity to play for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi,” said Celtics President Rich Gotham. “Basketball is a truly worldwide sport, and international events such as these can help inspire generations of fans across the globe.”