This is your chance to dribble with the best.
Basketball fans, get ready to dribble with excitement. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 are back, and they’re bringing a series of fan events that are bound to make your heart race faster. Returning to the capital for the fourth time, the event will see the New York Knicks competing against the Philadelphia 76ers.
And that’s not all. The NBA District is back, too. From Thursday, 2 October to Sunday, 5 October, head over to Manarat Al Saadiyat for an interactive fan extravaganza. Meet the stars, including Derrick Rose, John Starks, Mark Jackson, Michael Carter-Williams, Oscar Robertson and Rudy Gay. Shoot some hoops on a full-size NBA court, catch the highlights, snap a photo with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, snag limited-edition NBA merchandise and much more.
The roster of legends reads like a highlight reel. Oscar Robertson is a 12-time All-Star, the 1963 to 1964 NBA Most Valuable Player, a 1971 champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and a FIBA Hall of Famer since 2009.
Derrick Rose is a three-time All-Star with the Chicago Bulls and became the youngest MVP in league history at 22 after the 2010 to 2011 season. Mark Jackson was Rookie of the Year in 1987 to 1988 with the Knicks, an All-Star in 1989 and sits sixth on the all-time assists list. John Starks, an All-Star in 1994, won Sixth Man of the Year in 1997 and remains the Knicks’ all-time leader in three pointers made. Rudy Gay, a 2007 All-Rookie First Team selection, played 17 NBA seasons, won two FIBA World Cup gold medals with Team USA and built a reputation for reliable scoring and versatility at forward. Michael Carter-Williams captured Rookie of the Year honours from 2013 to 2014 with the 76ers.
Music adds to the atmosphere. The “Friday Night Concert” on 3 October at 8pm features Siilawy, Stick No Bills, Tul8te and DJs Jack and D Nice.
The NBA Fan Appreciation Day will also return to Etihad Arena, although the date has not been confirmed. The family-friendly entertainment experience will feature skills competitions and appearances by New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers players. Special celebrity guests will be announced at a later date, but previous events featured Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, rapper-turned-singer T-Pain and hip-hop heavyweight 2 Chainz.
Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for all basketball enthusiasts. The capital has been tuning into the games since the late 80s, which shows that the love for basketball here is pretty strong. So get ready to witness the magic of the NBA, meet your heroes, and have a blast at these fan events. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 is about to bring the house down, and you don’t want to miss it.
Tickets for NBA District, including separate access to the “Friday Night Concert” are available via Ticketmaster.
GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae for tickets and more information.