Lhe NBA and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism announced Tuesday that the Hawks and Bucks will play two preseason games at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 6 and 8. They will be the first games of the American League in the United Arab Emirates. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 will be broadcast live in the emirate, throughout the Middle East and North Africa, reaching a total of 200 countries.
Trae Young, a two-time All Star, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, a three-time All-Star and two-time regular-season MVP, will be the focus of some historic games. The Bucks, in addition, could reach these appointments as NBA champions, since they are in full defense of the championship they won last season.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the first NBA Games in Abu Dhabi. It will be an incredibly memorable and impactful experience,” said Steve Koonin, CEO of the Hawks. Peter Feigin, president of the Bucks and the Fiserv Forum, says that the franchise is “honored to have been selected to participate in these games. We will be proud to represent our city, our state and Bucks fans around the world.” .
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, from the Abu Dhabi tourism department, believes that “basketball has the ability to unite communities, and players and visitors will feel the spirit of the game, both on and off the court. The presentation of the basketball teams The NBA marks an important milestone in our partnership.” For Ralph Rivera, general manager of the NBA in Europe and the Middle East, “bringing the Hawks and Bucks to Abu Dhabi is an important milestone in the global growth of the NBA and basketball. In addition to the games, we hope to involve the fans through events that teach the sport and its values to boys and girls”.