Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Would Eventually Like To Purchase Controlling Interest In NBA Franchise

Mohammed Al Mubarak wants the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to eventually own an NBA franchise.

“That’s right. Why not? When we invest in sport, we demonstrate what it means to us and that it’s a long-term approach that builds capacity within that city.” I think so,” Mubarak said.

“I think what Citigroup has done, not just in Manchester itself, but through their wider investments, has done a fantastic job of building out the hard and soft infrastructure in building out the academy and the talent pool. The same is true.” [with the] Is there something you would like to look into with the NBA? Yes, of course, but I think it’s important to find the right opportunity and the right framework to work with the NBA in that regard.”

The NBA currently limits sovereign wealth funds’ passive stakes in teams to no more than 20%, and there are no current discussions or plans to change that rule, league officials said.

“I don’t want to say what will happen, but it’s not being considered at this point,” Silver said last year.

Abu Dhabi will continue to invest in basketball while hosting large-scale events in the country.

“We have a long-term perspective on this,” Mubarak said. “I don’t think there will be Emirati basketball players playing in the NBA tomorrow, but the fact is, I see a light in the eyes of the young people today…maybe not this group, but this group. There will be players after them, or groups after them, who will eventually make it to the NCAAs and take it one step further. So if that happens, the dream will become a reality. ”