NBA's UAE Partnership Scrutinized Amid Sudan Conflict and Sportswashing Allegations
The NBA Emirates NBA Cup, an in-season tournament, began on October 31 in Abu Dhabi as part of a broader partnership between the NBA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration includes preseason games in Abu Dhabi, sponsorship from Emirates Airlines, and plans for an NBA Global Academy at NYU Abu Dhabi, with potential expansion to a European league by 2027.
However, this sports partnership has drawn criticism amid allegations linking UAE-backed forces to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE is accused of supplying weapons and funding to RSF, which has been implicated in mass killings, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing during the ongoing Sudan civil war that began in April 2023. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the United Nations and aid agencies reporting around 20,000 confirmed deaths, while the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Sudan Research Group cites over 61,000 deaths in Khartoum state alone, including 26,000 direct deaths. Former US envoy Tom Perriello has claimed the death toll may be as high as 150,000.
The Sudanese military government has initiated an International Court of Justice case accusing the UAE of genocidal complicity in West Darfur. The UAE denies any involvement.
In response to criticisms, the NBA states its engagement with the UAE follows guidance from the US government and aims to promote live games and development opportunities for fans and players across more than 200 countries and territories. The NBA commits to relying on the US State Department's guidance in its dealings.
Critics, including Refugees International and various activists, argue that the UAE's investments in sports serve as a form of sportswashing—using sports to normalize and distract from the actions of autocratic regimes. Similar scrutiny has been faced by Bayern Munich over its Emirates Airlines sponsorship and by some Manchester City supporters due to the UAE's involvement.
