Abu dhabi: The Bahrain Basketball Association recently engaged in a strategic meeting with representatives from the Europe and Middle East branch of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to discuss potential avenues for cooperation. The meeting aimed to explore future partnerships in technical, developmental, and commercial areas, with the goal of placing Bahrain on the global basketball stage and fostering the growth of the sport both locally and regionally.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting took place in Abu Dhabi and saw participation from Bahrain Basketball Association Board Members Hassan Yassin and Mohammed Abdul Samad, alongside Secretary General Ahmed Hafez. The NBA was represented by key figures, including Henry Utku, Director of Basketball Operations for Europe and the Middle East, Neal Meyer, Vice President of Basketball Operations, George Aivazoglou, Director General for Europe and the Middle East, and David Watts, Assistant Vice President of Business Development.
The American delegation expressed appreciation for the hospitality and sports culture experienced by Hall of Fame stars during a recent event in Bahrain, held in conjunction with the International Federation of the Game (FIBA) Congress. They recognized this environment as a driving force for enhancing cooperation and exploring new partnership opportunities.
Discussions at the meeting included Bahrain’s potential participation in the NBA Academy programs in Abu Dhabi, under the supervision of David Watts. The NBA extended an invitation for Bahrain to join the NBA Junior League, scheduled for September 2026 in Abu Dhabi, while considering hosting a future edition in Bahrain. Plans were also made to organize a coaching workshop aimed at training young players and supporting emerging Bahraini talents with the potential to play at American universities.