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July 30 (UPI) — The NBA will not play preseason games this year in the Middle East due to war in the region, a source familiar with the matter told UPI on Thursday.
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Preseason games were held in Abu Dhabi each of the last four years, including two 2025 matchups between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.
The decision to halt the series came amid ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
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In January, the NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced an extension for their long-term global games agreement. The NBA has held games in the region since 1987-88, with eight NBA teams featured in the preseason since 2022.
NBA preseason games will start in early October. The regular-season schedule is expected to be released in August.
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This story was originally published July 30, 2026 at 9:35 AM.