In a thrilling union of sportsmanship and community engagement, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have officially launched the much-anticipated third season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League. Operated by Sport360, the league is set to make waves this year as it extends its reach to over 1,300 enthusiastic youngsters aged 11-14 from schools not just in Abu Dhabi but also, for the first time, in Al Ain. Since its inception in 2022, Jr. NBA programming has left an indelible mark, impacting the lives of more than 10,000 youth in Abu Dhabi. The league’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the values of the game has gained significant momentum, making it a pivotal force in the region. The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League draft event, held on January 27 at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus, was a star-studded affair attended by distinguished personalities. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, NBA Europe, and Middle East Vice President of Basketball Operations Neal Meyer, three-time NBA champion James Worthy, and seven-time NBA All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge graced the occasion. During the draft event, each participating school was not only assigned an NBA team but also received team-branded jerseys, setting the stage for a season brimming with excitement. The schools also had the unique opportunity to engage in basketball development clinics, skills challenges, and competitions led by the legendary duo, Worthy and Aldridge. The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League is set to kick off its games on Monday, February 5, culminating in the third Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League Finals on Sunday, May 5. This extended reach into Al Ain demonstrates the league’s dedication to fostering a passion for basketball among children across the emirate, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for sporting activities and athletic programs. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak was in attendance His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our multiyear partnership with the NBA exemplifies our commitment to developing the next generation of players in the UAE and beyond.” Neal Meyer, VP of Basketball Operations at NBA Europe and the Middle East, shared his excitement about the league’s growth, saying, “We’re excited to continue growing the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League as part of our commitment to providing youth with more opportunities to learn and play the game.” James Worthy, a basketball icon and three-time NBA champion, shared his sentiments, “It was inspiring to be on the court today and to see the enthusiasm and passion on display from the boys and girls participating in the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League.” James Worthy with during a school visit with the Jr. NBA Worthy, a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. LaMarcus Aldridge, a seven-time NBA All-Star who retired in 2023 after a 16-year NBA career, also added his expertise to the event. The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League goes beyond the court, aiming to instill values such as teamwork, leadership, and respect, contributing to the holistic development of the participants. Last season, Jr. NBA Leagues saw a remarkable participation of 63,000 youngsters in 31 countries, with Jr. NBA programs collectively reaching 275,000 participants in 61 countries across Europe and the Middle East. Supported by ADQ, Aldar, and DCT Abu Dhabi, the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League is part of a comprehensive collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi. This collaboration includes preseason NBA Global Games, interactive fan events, NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBA Arabic (@nbaarabic) The partnership also designates DCT Abu Dhabi, under Experience Abu Dhabi – the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital – as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and China. For those seeking more information on the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, operated by Sport360, the OWQLO App is the go-to source. Stay connected with the Jr. NBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/jrnba), Instagram (@jrnba and @nbaarabic), and X (@jrnba and @nbaarabic) for the latest updates and highlights throughout the season.