76ers vs Knicks

Event Overview

• Teams: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks

• Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

• Location: Etihad Arena, located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Context: This marks the opener of the 2025–26 NBA preseason and is the first of two international exhibition games between these two teams (the second being on October 4)

• Knicks feature:

  • Jalen Brunson, two-time NBA All-Star

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, five-time NBA All-Star

  • Mikal Bridges, 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team member

• 76ers include:

  • Joel Embiid, 2023 NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star

  • Paul George, nine-time All-Star

  • Tyrese Maxey, 2024 NBA All-Star

This event underscores the NBA’s commitment to global expansion, bringing elite-level basketball to new audiences in the Middle East. It’s the fourth consecutive year Abu Dhabi has hosted such games, following previous stops in 2022, 2023, and 2024

Global Reach

• The games will be broadcast live across the UAE, the broader Middle East, and more than 200 countries and territories via television and digital channels

• The experience extends beyond the court, featuring:

  • VIP ticket packages, hospitality, and local accommodations

  • Fan zones, youth clinics (Jr. NBA Week), NBA Cares initiatives, and community events throughout Yas Island

Summary Table