Yalla Wizards: First-ever NBA team to launch Arabic social media channels
The Washington Wizards have become the first National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise to launch Arabic-language social media channels dedicated to their Arabic-speaking audiences.
According to the Wizards, these channels will assist in growing their brand across the Middle East. The channel, @WizardsArabic, can be found on both Instagram and Twitter. Their new hashtag is #yallaWizards. The team also plans on launching an Arabic-language website in the near future.
"We are excited to add Arabic-language social platforms to our global portfolio,” Monumental Sports and Entertainment president and chief commercial officer Jim Van Stone said. “We know that Arabic-speaking basketball fans are going to enjoy our content and will feel more connected to the Wizards.”
أنثوني غيل يرحب بكم على صفحات واشنطن ويزاردز الجديدة بالعربية. تابعونا للمزيد على تويتر وإنستغرام! 🏀
— واشنطن ويزاردز بالعربي (@WizardsArabic) October 7, 2022
#yallaWizards | @NBAArabic pic.twitter.com/VZdTFpw4Fo
The Wizards’ Arabic-language social media channels will provide comprehensive coverage of the team throughout the season. This will include analysis of the games, news, behind-the-scenes shots, fan content, and interviews.
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According to their official announcement, the new channels will provide an outlet for Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking NBA fans living in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area.
The Census Bureau estimates that the Arab population in Maryland is close to 41,898, Yalla Count Me In reported. In Virginia, the Census Bureau estimates that the statewide population is close to 100,580.
Currently, the Wizards have a partnership with Etihad Airways.
This news comes a week after the two pre-season games between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. A multi-year deal between the NBA and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism was announced last November.
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