NBA Cancels 2026 Preseason Games in Middle East Amid Ongoing US-Iran Conflict
When the NBA’s globe‑trotting calendar was abruptly stripped of its Middle‑East chapter, fans in the region were left in a quiet limbo. The league announced that it will not stage any preseason contests in the Middle East for the 2026‑27 season, ending a four‑year streak of games in Abu Dhabi.
The decision follows a series of reports that the NBA’s international itinerary has been reshaped in response to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. According to ESPN, league executives opted to postpone the Middle‑East tour for a fifth consecutive year. The last four preseason outings—held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi—brought teams such as the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors to the city in September 2022, and each subsequent season featured a single game between two NBA franchises.
The NBA’s partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) began in January 2025. The long‑term agreement not only guarantees annual preseason games but also expands marketing efforts and launched an NBA Global Academy at the University of New York Abu Dhabi. The academy aims to nurture young talent in the region, offering training, education and mentorship. For the league, the partnership has been a cornerstone of its strategy to embed basketball in the Arab world.
With the Middle‑East tour on hold, the NBA is redirecting its global outreach. Two preseason games are slated for October in China, marking the first NBA matches there since 2019. The regular season will also feature games in France, England, Mexico and Germany. Reports suggest that the league is exploring possibilities for future events in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, although no concrete plans have yet been announced.
The war in Iran has prompted the NBA to reassess its travel logistics. A league spokesperson said that the safety of players, staff and fans remains a top priority. While the NBA has not released a formal statement, the decision aligns with broader concerns about travel to the Middle East amid heightened tensions. The league’s move mirrors adjustments made by other major sports organizations—such as the NFL and MLB—when faced with geopolitical unrest or public health crises.
The pause does not affect the NBA’s domestic schedule. The league will continue to operate its 30‑team roster across the United States and Canada, with the regular season kicking off in October and concluding in April. The NBA’s commitment to international expansion remains intact; the temporary shift is a response to the current security environment.
The partnership with Abu Dhabi has already yielded tangible benefits beyond the court. Community outreach programs, youth clinics and the NBA Global Academy have helped raise the sport’s profile in the Arab world. The league’s Global Games have also taken place in China, Mexico and France, underscoring its ambition to build a worldwide fan base.
While the next steps are still unclear, the NBA has indicated that it is ready to resume Middle‑East preseason games once the security situation stabilises. The league remains committed to exploring opportunities for future events in the region.
In short, the NBA will skip the Middle East for its 2026‑27 preseason due to the ongoing US‑Iran war. Instead, its international schedule will feature contests in China, France, England, Mexico and Germany, with discussions about future Middle‑East venues continuing behind the scenes.
