The Knicks uniforms will have a Middle East vibe.
“Experience Abu Dhabi” was announced Thursday as the new sponsorship patch on a “multi-year deal,” with its logo imprinted on the left shoulder of Knicks jerseys, warm-up jackets and jersey shirts.
“Experience Abu Dhabi” is about promoting tourism in the United Arab Emirates and operated by government official Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, who is also the UAE’s chairman of he Department of Culture and Tourism.
The NBA has already planted its flag in Abu Dhabi as its Middle East hub, moving preseason games to the oil-rich nation in the past three years.
The Knicks haven’t played in those games, but the new sponsorship may turn them into a participant.
Abu Dhabi and MSG Entertainment also have a separate marketing agreement.
“These are significant, multi-faceted marketing partnerships for both the MSG Family of Companies and DCT Abu Dhabi,” said Jamaal Lesane, Chief Operating Officer, MSG Sports, in a statement.
“Experience Abu Dhabi” replaces “The Sphere” patch from last season, when MSG couldn’t find a sponsor to pay its desired price for the advertising space so it promoted James Dolan’s fledgling entertainment venue in Vegas.
According to a Sports Business Journal report from 2023, MSG was targeting a $30 million per year deal for the 2 ½-inch by 2 ½-inch uniform space.
Financial terms for the new sponsorship were not released but the Knicks, a marquee NBA brand, are likely to command top dollar. The Warriors had the most lucrative sponsorship deal, taking in $45 million annually from Rakuten.
Landry Shamet posted an upbeat but vague message on social media about recovering from his nasty shoulder injury.
“Appreciate all of the prayers and well wishes,” Shamet wrote. “This is just the next obstacle and to be afraid of an obstacle would go against everything that I am — I welcome them. I’m attacking this rehab. Back soon.”
Shamet’s right shoulder appeared to rip from its socket as he swatted at a layup attempt during Tuesday’s preseason victory over the Hornets.
Shamet, who was tracking toward a rotation spot, darted to the locker room and never returned. He was spotted at the practice facility Wednesday in a sling, but the Knicks haven’t provided an update.
The veteran guard is on a non-guaranteed deal and risks losing his contract worth over $2 million if the injury keeps him out long term.