The war in Iran has reached the NBA’s calendar.
For the first time in five years, the league will not host a preseason game in the Middle East as a result of the U.S.’s ongoing conflict with Iran. The news was first reported by ESPN.
A year ago, the Knicks started off their championship run with a pair of preseason games in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates against the Sixers. While no matchup was ever announced, ESPN reported that the Cavaliers, Heat, Nets and Wizards all discussed potentially playing in a game there.
The U.S. attacked Iran in February as part of a joint military strike with Israel, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict is still ongoing despite multiple cease fires.
The Middle East has become a major priority for the NBA in recent years. Commissioner Adam Silver sat courtside with His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak who leads Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and is an avid NBA fan.
