2025-2026 ‘Abu Dhabi Games’ New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers Game Used Basketball

Please note, the ball shown in the photos for this lot is a representative sample, and not the actual ball you will receive should you be the successful purchaser. For any questions, please reach out to Brahm.Wachter@sothebys.com.

This basketball was used on October 2, 2025, during the 2025 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, when the New York Knicks played the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks beat the 76ers, 99-84.

Abu Dhabi Games

The 2025 NBA Abu Dhabi Games kick off a series of preseason NBA Global Games, with teams traveling to Canada and Macau in addition to Abu Dhabi. This season marks the fourth consecutive year the league has visited Abu Dhabi, where basketball continues to deepen its impact and strong relationship with the region. Recently, Team USA played two exhibition games in the UAE before going on to win a fifth straight Olympic gold medal in Paris. In 2023, Team USA also held an exhibition in Abu Dhabi ahead of the FIBA World Cup. 

Interest in the NBA abroad has never been higher. The league’s increased focus on basketball’s global development has paid dividends—the last seven NBA MVP awards have been won by international players. With many of the league’s new stars hailing from outside the United States, the NBA has steadily expanded its global presence, staging more games overseas each year. Upcoming stops include Mexico City in November 2025, followed by London and Berlin in January 2026.

This ball has been photomatched by Sotheby's photomatching.