NBA cancels preseason games in Middle East due to ongoing conflict
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 1:18 PM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
The NBA has decided not to hold any preseason games in the Middle East for the first time in five years. This decision is attributed to the ongoing war in the region, which has raised safety concerns. The league has previously engaged in efforts to expand its global reach by scheduling games overseas. It remains to be seen if the league will revisit plans for international games in the future as conditions change.
- •NBA cancels preseason games in Middle East, a first since 2021.
- •Decision linked to the ongoing war in the region.
- •Previous years featured efforts to expand international reach.
- •Future plans for Middle East games uncertain amid conflict.
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — NBA not returning to Abu Dhabi this preseason due to ongoing conflict in Middle East
- 2:02 PMYahoo Sports — NBA reportedly not planning to hold preseason games in the Middle East due to U.S.-Iran war
- 1:18 PMESPN — Sources: NBA nixes plans for Middle East games
- 1:04 PMYahoo Sports — No NBA games in the Middle East this year
"The NBA will not play any preseason games in the Middle East for the first time in five years, sources told ESPN, due to the ongoing war in the region.
"For the past four years, the NBA has played a preseason game in the United Arab Emirates. Not this year.
"Four games have been held in Abu Dhabi in each of the past four preseasons.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 1, 2026, 4:20 PMNBA not returning to Abu Dhabi this preseason due to ongoing conflict in Middle East
For the past four years, the NBA has played a preseason game in the United Arab Emirates. Not this year.
- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 2:02 PMNBA reportedly not planning to hold preseason games in the Middle East due to U.S.-Iran war
Four games have been held in Abu Dhabi in each of the past four preseasons.
- ESPNJul 30, 2026, 1:18 PMSources: NBA nixes plans for Middle East games
The NBA will not play any preseason games in the Middle East for the first time in five years, sources told ESPN, due to the ongoing war in the region.
- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 1:04 PMNo NBA games in the Middle East this year
No NBA games in the Middle East this year
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