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The patch on the upper left corner of New York Knicks jerseys during the NBA Finals instructs fans to “Experience Abu Dhabi.” It’s a high-profile example of what has become a relatively common sponsorship in global sports—sovereign funds encouraging fans to travel to places they might not have previously considered. Right now, however, is a bad time to experience Abu Dhabi, at least according to the U.S. government. The State Department lists the United Arab Emirates as a Level 3 country, meaning Americans should “reconsider travel,” due to the threat of armed conflict and terrorism.
The war in Iran, which spread quickly across the Middle East, has altered the impact for what is likely a mid-eight-figure sponsorship agreement—among the most expensive patch deals in the NBA. Abu Dhabi has built a reputation in recent years as a safe option for tourists and professionals across the region, but as tens of millions of people globally see the Experience Abu Dhabi patch during the Knicks’ Finals games, the emirate is reckoning with a shift in circumstance. “No matter what type of tourism advertising they do, they can’t overcome the geopolitical realities or facts on the ground,” Eric Lob, a Middle East expert and professor at Florida International University, said in an interview. “They’ve sustained a lot of damage and destruction to their civilian and energy infrastructure. Their image as a hub of stability—for investment, tourism, finance, etc.—has really taken a hit. … It’s a precarious time for them.”
Congressman Jim McGovern and civil society and Sudanese activists held a press conference today calling on the NBA to end its partnership with Emirates, the state-owned airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the NBA Finals kick off.
“Fans should know that the sport that they are enjoying is fueling crimes against humanity,” said U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA). “They should know that the NBA is investing in the UAE and the UAE is investing in atrocities in Sudan. We call this sportswashing, where a government uses the glamor of an international sporting event to cover up human rights abuses.
The ongoing instability in the Middle East has disrupted travel across the region, leaving multiple basketball figures unable to leave the United Arab Emirates after airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were closed. Partizan players Dylan Osetkowski and Shake Milton are among those stranded, while Meridian Sport reports that Duane Washington also remains in Dubai after traveling there during the national team break.
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The NBA and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism announced an extension of their partnership Thursday, with the league agreeing to continue bringing preseason games to the Middle East and the sides completing talks to launch a new global academy in the United Arab Emirates' capital for top boys players. Financial terms were not disclosed, though it's reasonable to expect that the nine-year extension would be worth well over $300 million — based on how the DCT agreed to pay the EuroLeague a reported 25 million euros ($29.2 million) to play host to that league's Final Four last year.
Dubai Basketball have officially announced the signing of American forward Matt Ryan after a challenging 4–6 start to the EuroLeague campaign.
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Scott Agness: Former Pacer Glenn Robinson III signed a deal to join Sharjah Basketball Club, which plays in the UAE Basketball Association.
Ex-Mavericks player McKinley Wright signed with Emirati team BC Dubai until the 2026-27 season.
