UAE to host 2 preseason games next year

The United Arab Emirates is set to host a pair of preseason contests next season in Abu Dhabi, the league announced Tuesday, according to ESPN's Mark Spears.

The games will be the first to take place in the UAE and are part of a multi-year agreement between the NBA and the department of culture and tourism of Abu Dhabi. Participating teams are still to be determined.

"Hosting NBA and NBA 2K League games and events in Abu Dhabi builds on our commitment to growing basketball around the world," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in a statement. "Through this partnership, we will bring the authentic NBA experience to fans in the UAE and support basketball development in the region by providing more opportunities for young boys and girls to learn and play the game."

In addition to the two preseason contests, the partnership will also include interactive fan events featuring current and former players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues, NBA FIT Clinics, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.