First-ever stores will open in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The National Basketball Association and Al Mana Fashion Group have joined forces to open the first NBA Stores in the Middle East.

The new NBA Stores will give fans in the Middle East access to the widest range of official NBA merchandise and memorabilia–including apparel, jerseys, footwear, sporting goods, toys and collectibles­–in the region.

The first two NBA Stores are scheduled to open in Doha, Qatar, during the 2016-17 NBA season, with additional stores in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to follow.

“This long term project cements the NBA’s commitment to grow our footprint across the Middle East,” says Vandana Balachandar, vice president, global merchandising, NBA EMEA. “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.”

Additionally, the NBA opened its new flagship NBA Store in New York last December and three other stores are currently operating in Manila with a fourth scheduled to open in Cebu, Philippines, this August.

“The National Basketball Association is one of the most successful sports leagues in the world and is watched and enjoyed by millions of people around the globe,” says Andrew Fairall, general manager, sports division, Al Mana Fashion Group. “With basketball being one of the fastest growing categories in sports retail in the region, we are very excited to be working with such an iconic brand as we build an exciting new chapter in our illustrious legacy in the Middle East.”

NBA fans in the Middle East can continue to shop online at NBAStore.eu for a range of merchandise including exclusive products from all 30 teams.