The showcase, held at NYU’s Abu Dhabi Campus, is part of the NBA's broader global development strategy to identify and nurture international talent, with alumni from over 40 countries earning NCAA scholarships and over 140 NBA and WNBA draftees having come through NBA programs like Basketball Without Borders and NBA Academies.

NBA alumni such as Joel Embiid exemplify the success of these development programs, inspiring young players worldwide and regionally.

The NBA Academy Showcase will take place in Abu Dhabi from September 25-27, featuring top youth teams from Senegal, Australia, France, and the US, aiming to highlight emerging basketball talent in the Middle East.

The growth of basketball in the UAE and Middle East is supported by the NBA’s efforts to create long-term pathways for talent development, with aspirations to see the first Emirati NBA player emerge in the future.

Community initiatives like the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, which has engaged over 20,000 youth since 2022, along with court refurbishments, have significantly increased basketball participation in Abu Dhabi by over 400%.

Since 2022, NBA collaborations with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism have accelerated regional basketball development, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub for the sport.

NBA officials emphasize that events like the Abu Dhabi Showcase are crucial for strengthening the regional basketball ecosystem and promoting the sport's growth in emerging markets.

The NBA aims to provide top-tier development opportunities for international players through the Abu Dhabi Showcase, with all games accessible on NBA digital platforms to grow the global basketball community.

Notable prospects such as Nathan Soliman from France, Bamba Touray from Senegal, Ajak Nyuon from Australia, and rising Bermudian star Ralph Scott highlight the diverse international talent participating in this global event.

This international event coincides with the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, where the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will play preseason matches at Etihad Arena on October 2 and 4, offering fans a rare opportunity to see NBA stars in the region.