NBA Abu Dhabi Games: Luka’s Mavs to Play Real Madrid in Spain; Details

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to be among the NBA teams to participate in international neutral site games next season.

The NBA continues to pursue an expanded global reach. With one of the top international superstars, Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks will continue to play a role in those efforts during the 2023 preseason. 

Officially announced by the NBA on Wednesday, the Mavs are set to play against Doncic’s former club, Real Madrid, in Spain. It will mark the first time the franchise has played against a non-NBA team outside of the United States. 

“The NBA today announced that the Dallas Mavericks will play a preseason game against reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid at the WiZink Center in Madrid on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The matchup will mark 35 years since the first NBA games in Spain in 1988,” the league said in an official statement.

FIBA

The Mavs only played three total preseason games last year after a potential exhibition match with an Australian team fell through. The only neutral site game they participated in during this year's preseason was a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

The NBA continues to seek global expansion and part of that process involves playing one regular season game in Mexico City. The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 111-101 in the league's only game played in the market this season.

The Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards took part in preseason action in Japan. There are more destinations coming for international play as the NBA will play a game in Paris during the 2023 regular season on Jan. 19.  

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