NBA Expands: Games in Europe for 2026 and Beyond
The NBA has announced the celebration of regular season games in Europe, marking a milestone in its global expansion strategy. The Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic will be the featured teams in this initiative, which will begin in 2026. The first meeting will take place on January 15, 2026, at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. This will be the first NBA game to be played in this arena. Subsequently, on January 18, 2026, the teams will move to London, United Kingdom, to play at The O2. In addition to the 2026 games, the NBA has plans for future matches between 2027 and 2028. These will take place at the Co-op Live in Manchester, United Kingdom, and at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. The specific teams and dates will be announced later.This initiative includes community programs as part of the ‘NBA Cares’ program, which will be held in both Berlin and London. These programs are designed to promote youth basketball, the development of coaches and referees, and interactive activities for fans. Jason Wexler, president of the Grizzlies, and Charlie Freeman, president of business operations for the Magic, expressed their pride in this opportunity for international expansion.The announcement of the next three regular season games in Europe reflects the incredible momentum and interest in NBA basketball in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and throughout the region.
George Aivazoglou, NBA Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East