Growing Calls to End NBA-UAE Partnership

Washington -Sudanhorizon
Demands are growing in the United States among human rights activists and advocates and NBA players to end the partnership with the United Arab Emirates. A US lawmaker accused Abu Dhabi of “sports whitewashing” to cover up its involvement in atrocities in Sudan.
Last week, Middle East Eye published an article by Yasmin Al-Sabawi, stating that activists have joined Democratic US Congressman Jim McGovern in calling for an end to the NBA-UAE partnership. This comes in light of the ongoing four-year Sudanese civil war and Abu Dhabi’s training, logistical, and financial support for the Rapid Support Forces, which are accused of committing widespread atrocities against civilians.
The article added that Sudan continues to experience the world’s largest ongoing humanitarian and displacement crisis, according to the non-profit Refugee International.
“Fans should know that the sport they enjoy is contributing to the funding of crimes against humanity,” McGovern said during an online press conference. “They should know that the NBA invests in the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE invests in atrocities committed in Sudan.”
He added, “We call this sportswashing, where governments exploit the glamour of an international sporting event to cover up human rights abuses.”
The congressman, who also serves as co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, said his letter to the NBA received only a standard response that failed to address the league’s corporate social responsibility policies.
“The NBA confirmed that it adheres to the guidance and directives of the U.S. State Department…in all countries where it operates,” McGovern added, referring to the response he received.
He added: “Our goal is for the NBA to withdraw its support from the UAE in the face of the atrocities in Sudan. We are confident you can do this, and it will reflect positively on your reputation and conscience.”
The agreement with the UAE Department of Tourism includes hosting preseason games in Abu Dhabi, appearances by NBA players, youth leagues and training events, and designating Abu Dhabi as an official NBA tourism partner for Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and China.
The agreement with Emirates Airline includes renaming the NBA tournament held during the season to the “UAE NBA Cup,” which the New York Knicks won earlier this season. It also includes placing the Emirates brand on referee uniforms, stadium signage, and league-wide sponsorship rights, as well as the right to broadcast NBA content on Emirates flights.
According to the website, John Prendergast, a former Clinton White House official and co-founder – with actor George Clooney – of the investigative organization “The Sentry”, stated that the deal is expected to generate approximately $500 million in advertising revenue for both the National Basketball Association and the UAE

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