Human Rights Watch has accused the NBA of “sportswashing” human rights abuses through its growing association with the United Arab Emirates.
It is based on pre-season games that started in 2022 in Abu Dhabi, along with the sponsorship of the NBA Cup by Emirates Airline. HRW said these events are part of a strategy by the UAE to deflect attention from ongoing rights violations.
“These games are part of the Emirati government’s efforts to distract from the many human rights violations it is committing at home and abroad,” HRW said.
The rights group also pointed out the alleged UAE support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, involved in that country’s devastating civil war. UAE authorities have denied these allegations, claiming they have not provided arms to any of the warring factions in Sudan. The HRW also criticized the UAE’s treatment of migrant workers, its suppression of dissent, and the recent mass trial of 43 Emiratis, condemned by UN experts.
“The NBA is risking ‘sportswashing’ the UAE’s egregious human rights record,” HRW added, calling on the league to take action regarding these issues.
The UAE’s foray into global sports – from ownership of Manchester City to hosting F1 and golf events – has come with accusations of sporting whitewashing.
