The NBA will reportedly not take its preseason schedule to the Middle East this year, pausing a run of exhibition games that had become a regular stop in Abu Dhabi. According to ESPN, the league's plans are being halted because of the ongoing war affecting the region.
The reported change would end four straight years in which the NBA staged preseason contests in Abu Dhabi. Those games had become part of the league's broader international outreach, giving fans outside North America a chance to see teams in person before the regular season.
While no further details were included in the report, the decision reflects how regional security concerns can disrupt major sports events and travel plans. For the NBA, it means one of its recent overseas preseason destinations will not be on the calendar this time.
The move appears to be a temporary pause rather than a broader shift away from international games. Still, for this preseason, the league is expected to stay out of the Middle East as the conflict continues.
