Basketball

From grassroots clubs to the NBA, we have a long history of sponsoring basketball. We work side-by-side with the Beirut Basketball team and its players to help boost the sport in the region and support the prospects of young, talented athletes. And our major sponsorship deal with the NBA brings Emirates on the courts at the most recognised and prestigious league in the sport.

National Basketball Association (NBA)

We’re courtside for every dunk, fast break and steal at the NBA games. In February 2024, we became the Official Global Airline Partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Basketball is the fastest growing sport in the world and we’re excited to work with one of the most globally recognised and prestigious professional leagues.  

The partnership also makes us the inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, previously the NBA In-Season Tournament, as well as becoming the first-ever referee jersey patch partner of the NBA. We’ll also become the jersey patch partner for the women’s WNBA from 2025 and official minor league NBA G League from the 2024/25 season. 

Fans can watch the NBA games live on our flights as well as view player profiles, documentaries and more. We’re excited to connect with fans through the league’s events including NBA District and NBA House. Fans can also buy a range of NBA merchandise at the Emirates Official Store, including legendary NBA player jerseys. 

UAE Basketball Association

Emirates has been a steadfast supporter of basketball since 1991, when it partnered with the UAE Basketball Association as Sponsor and Official Airline. The airline has also been a sponsor of the Dubai International Basketball Championship for close to 30 years, as well as the staging of the FIBA World Championship in the UAE in 2014 and the FIBA West Asia Super League in 2023. Teams sponsored by Emirates have won the International Basketball Championship seven times.

Beirut Basketball Club

In 2022 we partnered with the Beirut Basketball Club as Official Airline and jersey sponsor. But our involvement with the team goes further back. We've sponsored them at the Dubai International Tournament and the team was one of the first to wear the Emirates Fly Better logo on its shirts in 2019. 

The Beirut Basketball Club formed in 2016 and began playing in the top-level Lebanese Basketball League in 2017. The men's team won the championship in 2022. They also won the Arab Club Basketball Championship in 2023 and featured in the top three multiple times in previous years. The women's club also won the Arab Women's Club Championship, their third consecutive win of the prestigious title. 

As well as sponsoring the men's and women's teams, we're also supporting the U-18 and academy teams, helping the next generation of basketball stars to grow and their talent to shine across communities in Lebanon.