The NBA announced that the Dallas Mavericks will play two preseason games overseas this October.
The Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will play games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on October 5 and 7 as part of a joint effort between the NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
“We are excited to be preparing for the new season of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 with the thrilling preseason head-to-head games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves,” H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a press release.
“We look forward to welcoming the players, teams, and fans to experience the destination and strengthening our efforts to bring the very best in sporting entertainment and engagement across Abu Dhabi.”
The Mavericks and Timberwolves will become the third and fourth NBA teams to play in Abu Dhabi, joining the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks, who played there last year.
“Following the success of last year’s games and events that welcomed fans from across the globe to Abu Dhabi, we’re excited to return in the 2023 preseason with two great matchups between the Mavericks and Timberwolves and some of the best players in the world,” NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera added in the release.
“Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi continues to support the NBA’s goal of introducing basketball and its values to young boys and girls in the UAE and globally, and that will be the case once again through these games and the surrounding activities.”
The Mavericks have not traveled overseas since they faced the Philadelphia 76ers in China in a 2018 preseason game. It will be the first time Dallas has played outside the United States since a December 2019 game against the Pistons in Mexico City.
“The Dallas Mavericks certainly recognize the importance of globalizing the game of basketball,” Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said in the release.
“For many years, we have enjoyed international players and a growing international fanbase. We are honored to play the game we love for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi and around the world. We appreciate all who have worked so hard to create this exciting opportunity for our team and our fans.”