Initiative is part of Emirates’ programme to give back to local communities across the US
New York City, New York – June 9, 2026: Emirates has joined forces with NBA Cares to launch a newly renovated technology and gaming room at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in New York.
PAL’s new game room was officially revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials from Emirates, the NBA and New York Knicks players. Youth from PAL, who stand to benefit from the initiative, were also present at the official reveal of the new recreational space. Leading the formalities at the unveiling event was Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director and CEO, PAL, John Starks, former New York Knicks player, Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner and, Matthew Jones, Emirates’ Vice President, USA.
The effort benefits New York City’s youth and is part of the airline’s broader investment in uplifting communities across the U.S. and supporting the well-being and aspirations of young people. By restoring community clubs and recreational spaces, Emirates aims to support efforts to foster essential life skills for youth, academic growth, and positive mentorship through sports.
This is the second community initiative this month where Emirates collaborated with NBA Cares to uplift community facilities, with the previous renovated space opened at the Denver Heights Community Center (DHCC) in San Antonio.
The refurbishment project includes the latest tech and gaming supplies. The room also underwent major aesthetic enhancements including fresh paint, new graphics, lighting and new furniture resulting in an inspiring space for kids to enjoy.
Courtesy of Emirates, each young participant was presented with a backpack from the airline’s ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, filled with Emirates and NBA co-branded merchandise. The special upcycled backpacks are created from repurposed Economy Class seat fabric generated from its massive retrofit programme underway. To date, nearly 4,000 sustainable Aircrafted for Kids backpacks have been distributed to schools and community centres around the globe.
The Police Athletic League (PAL) is New York City’s largest independent youth development not-for-profit organization. PAL operates diverse programs from Head Start, Day Care and Universal Pre-K programs; to elementary and middle school after-school programs; and summer day camps and summer Playstreets. PAL runs evening teen centres, and college readiness programs, as well as youth employment, juvenile justice programs.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a commemorative plaque highlighting the support of the NBA and Emirates in the refurbishment project was placed at the organization’s game room. Local youth that attended the inauguration event also participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinic with New York Nicks coaches and players.
Emirates is the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, and presenting partner of this year’s NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sports.
The airline operates to 12 US cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Newark, Dallas, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, in addition to New York JFK.
For more information, visit emirates.com.