New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers: NBA Abu Dhabi Games return for 2025

The showdown is set. The stars are lining up. And Yas Island is about to be centre court again.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games are back for another blockbuster edition, and this time it’s two East Coast giants taking the spotlight. The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will go head-to-head for a double dose of basketball action at Etihad Arena on October 2 and 4, 2025, in a series presented by ADQ.

Both teams will be bringing some serious firepower. From the Knicks’ side, fans can expect to see Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges – all of whom have previously made waves in Abu Dhabi with USA Basketball and past NBA visits.

Meanwhile, the 76ers will bring in the big guns with Joel Embiid, the 2023 MVP, alongside Paul George and the rising star Tyrese Maxey. If that lineup doesn’t get you hyped, we don’t know what will.

This hoop showdown will take place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, turning the capital into a basketball battleground once more. With games scheduled for Thursday 2 October and Saturday 4 October, it's shaping up to be a sports-filled weekend for the city.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 aren’t just about what happens on the court. They’re part of a multi-year partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which has already brought basketball clinics, fan zones, youth programmes, NBA 2K League events, and player appearances to the region.

It’s a full-court press when it comes to basketball culture – and it’s reaching fans in over 200 countries and territories across TV, digital, and social platforms.

Ticket details haven’t been released yet, but you can register interest now at nba.com/abudhabi. For those looking to level up the experience, VIP packages and premium access options – including hospitality and hotel stays – will be available via nbaexperiences.com.

Stay tuned for ticket drops, fan events, and everything in between – Abu Dhabi’s about to bring the heat once again.