NBA Announces Bucks, Hawks Set to Play 2 Preseason Games in Abu Dhabi Next Season

The NBA will hold a pair of preseason games between Milwaukee and Atlanta in Abu Dhabi in October.

NBA Africa @NBA_Africa

Abu Dhabi get ready the NBA is about to take over with two preseason games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 #NBAAfrica #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/zEsxqKTp3r

The Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors will play a preseason game in Saitama, Japan.

The NBA signed a deal with the local Department of Culture and Tourism to stage games in Abu Dhabi. The league will play two preseason games in the Arabian Gulf.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said at the time that Abu Dhabi is a vibrant multicultural hub with a demonstrated track record of hosting world-class sporting events.

The NBA's popularity exploded overseas thanks to the vision of the previous commissioner, David Stern.

The NBA Global Games gave international fans a chance to see what happens in the Association on a nightly basis. The series had to be put on hold.

The NBA did not hold events in foreign markets during the season. In addition to regular-season contests in Mexico City and Paris, it had preseason games in India, Japan and China.