The National Basketball Association is significantly expanding its global footprint, announcing an exciting schedule of regular-season games set to captivate audiences across Europe. This strategic move underscores the league’s commitment to international growth, bringing the thrill of professional basketball directly to fans in key European cities, with Manchester marking a historic milestone.
Future seasons will see the NBA hosting highly anticipated matchups in prominent European venues. In 2027, the cities of Manchester and Paris are slated to welcome regular-season contests, followed by Berlin and Paris in 2028. These events will utilize world-class facilities including the Uber Arena in Berlin, The O2 in London, Co-op Live in Manchester, and the Accor Arena in Paris, promising spectacular fan experiences.
Building on a rich history of international engagement, the upcoming NBA London Game 2026, presented by Tissot, will be the 19th occasion an NBA team has played in the United Kingdom since 1993, and the tenth such event held specifically in London. This consistent presence highlights the enduring passion for basketball within the UK and Europe.
For Manchester, 2027 will hold particular significance. While the city previously hosted an NBA team in 2013, the scheduled game will be its inaugural regular-season fixture. This marks a pivotal moment for basketball enthusiasts in Manchester, elevating their connection to the league and its star players.
Among the teams slated to participate in these European showcases are the Memphis Grizzlies. This dynamic squad, featuring two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant, the formidable two-time NBA All-Star and 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and promising 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team members Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells, along with 2025 No. 11 overall pick Cedric Coward, will be playing their fifth and sixth games in Europe, including their first appearances in Berlin and London.
Joining them are the Orlando Magic, a team making its fourth and fifth European appearances, with their first in Berlin and third in London (following games in 1993 and 2016). The Magic, who will be playing their 14th and 15th games outside the U.S. and Canada, boast a roster including 2024 NBA All-Star Paolo Banchero, German brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner, second-year German forward Tristan da Silva, 2023-24 Kia All-Defensive Second Team member Jalen Suggs, and 2020-21 Kia All-Rookie Second Team member Desmond Bane, bringing diverse talent to the international stage.
Beyond the games themselves, the NBA, in collaboration with the Grizzlies and Magic, will implement various community outreach initiatives in Berlin and London during 2026. These programs include NBA Cares events, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and Her Time to Play youth basketball clinics, and comprehensive coach and referee development programming, alongside interactive fan activities designed to immerse local communities in the NBA experience.
George Aivazoglou, NBA Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “Announcing the next three season’s regular-season games in Europe reflects the incredible momentum and appetite for NBA basketball in France, Germany, the UK and across the region. We look forward to welcoming the Grizzlies and the Magic to Berlin and London and to engaging fans, players and the local communities through the games and the surrounding events.”
Further information regarding ticket sales for the 2026 games will be released at a later date. Fans interested in attending can register their interest now for a chance to win free tickets, ensuring they stay updated on these premier international basketball events.
Leave a Reply