NBA And FIBA to host Basketball Without Borders in Abu Dhabi for the first time

LONDON/ABU DHABI (UK/UAE) - The National Basketball Association (NBA), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that the 13th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia will be held from June 2 to 5 at the New York University campus in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first time the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in the Arabian Gulf.

BWB Asia 2023 will bring together the top male and female players ages 18 and under from across Asia to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and compete alongside their peers from the region. The campers and coaches, who will be announced prior to the camp, will also take part in life skills, leadership development and community service programs.  

"For over two decades, Basketball Without Borders has played a key role in developing top international prospects, with more than 100 having played in the NBA and WNBA," said NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera. "We're thrilled to be bringing this transformative program to the Arabian Gulf for the first time and thank FIBA and DCT Abu Dhabi for their commitment to helping develop the next generation of players in the UAE and beyond."

"We are extremely happy to have this edition of BWB Asia in the UAE for the first time, where the best prospects from Asia and Oceania will be able to demonstrate their skills and commitment to our sport," said FIBA National Federations & Sport Director, Zoran Radovic.  "Our appreciation goes to DCT Abu Dhabi for accepting this joint initiative from both the NBA and FIBA and for their commitment to this prestigious camp.  We look forward to seeing the future stars of the game in Abu Dhabi."

"It's an honor to host the 13th edition of Basketball Without Borders Asia in Abu Dhabi, bringing the prestigious program to the region for the very first time," said Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, Saleh Al Geziry.  "In collaboration with the NBA and FIBA, DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to inspiring and equipping young athletes, both in the UAE and across the world, teaching the fundamental skills and core values of the game – including teamwork, respect, determination, and community. We wish all the players the best of luck and look forward to seeing their talent develop."

BWB Asia, Roman Siulepa, Australia 
(Photo Credit: NBAE)

BWB Asia 2023 is part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves playing two preseason games on October 5 and  7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island as part of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023. The collaboration also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. 

BWB has reached more than 3,900 participants from 134 countries and territories since 2001, with 105 former campers advancing to the NBA or WNBA.  The NBA and FIBA have staged 67 BWB camps in 44 cities on six continents.

BWB Asia 2023 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear and Gatorade, which will keep players and coaches hydrated throughout the camp.

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 About FIBA 
FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on facebook.com/fiba, twitter.com/fiba,  instagram.com/fiba and youtube.com/fiba.

About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.

NBA rosters at the start of the 2022-23 season featured 120 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital's assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.