NBA to open first stores in Middle East

The NBA and a Qatari fashion company said Wednesday they will partner in opening the first NBA Stores in the Middle East during the 2016-17 league season.

The initial two stores will be located in Doha, Qatar with additional ones to follow later in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The shops will bring basketball fans in the region access to the widest range of league souvenirs ever available in the Middle East, including shoes and jerseys.

"This long-term project cements the NBA's commitment to grow our footprint across the Middle East," said NBA vice president of global merchandising Vandana Balachandar.

"As the demand for the NBA continues to grow in the Middle East, our partnership with Al Mana Fashion Group will allow us to provide a comprehensive assortment of NBA merchandise while bringing the official NBA shopping experience to our fans in the region."

More than 400 NBA-branded retail locations worldwide include a new flagship shop in New York, three other stores in Manila and another set to open in Cebu, Philippines in August.