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The NBA has played preseason games in the Middle East for four consecutive years, but the league will not be traveling there this year.
According to ESPN, the ongoing war overseas will halt the league from traveling there for a fifth year in a row.
Games have been played at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi since 2022, with the first game featuring the Washington Wizards against the Golden State Warriors. Two games have been played each year since.
The NBA has not made plans to head there during the regular season.
Two preseason games are slated to be held in China this October, marking the league’s first time there since 2019. The league was yet to announce any games in the Middle East.
ESPN said the league had conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Wizards about going to Saudi Arabia to play.
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The NBA has recently expanded its relationship with the Middle East, even exploring the possibility of playing games in Qatar, according to ESPN.
The NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism extended their partnership in January, which includes preseason NBA Global Games, expanded marketing efforts and the launch of an NBA Global Academy in the city.
Regular-season games will be played in France, England, Mexico and Germany this season.
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The New York Knicks began their championship run with a preseason game in Abu Dhabi last October.
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