The NBA is making a grand return to the United Kingdom and expanding its footprint across Europe with a series of exciting games planned for 2026, 2027, and 2028. This marks the first time the NBA will host regular-season games in the UK since 2019, and it’s a move that’s already generating buzz among basketball fans.

London and Manchester Take Center Stage

• London’s O2 Arena will host a thrilling matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, 18 January 2026. This will be the first NBA game in the UK since the Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks in January 2019.
• Manchester will make history by hosting its first-ever regular-season NBA game in 2027 at the Co-op Live arena. The teams for this game will be announced closer to the start of the season.

European Expansion

The NBA’s European tour doesn’t stop there. In 2026, Berlin’s Uber Arena will also host a game between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, 15 January. The following year, Paris’s Accor Arena will welcome NBA action, with both Berlin and Paris hosting games again in 2028.

Leadership Enthusiastic About NBA’s Return

• Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, expressed his excitement, stating, "London is now the undisputed sporting capital of the world, and the NBA coming to The O2 in January 2026 will further cement our global status."
• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added, "This is great news for the city-region and an exciting opportunity to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep."

Growing British Influence in the NBA

The announcement comes at a time when British talent is making waves in the NBA. OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks leads the charge, alongside Tosan Evbuomwan (Brooklyn Nets) and Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio Spurs). Additionally, Amari Williams, recently drafted by the Boston Celtics, is set to become the fourth active Briton in the league.

Future Plans for European Basketball

In March 2025, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced plans to collaborate with FIBA to explore the creation of a professional men’s league across Europe. Discussions are underway for a semi-open league featuring up to 16 teams, with permanent clubs in cities like London, Manchester, Berlin, and Paris.

Basketball’s Popularity in the UK

Basketball is currently the second most popular team sport in the UK, with 1.5 million participants weekly and an estimated 8 million fans. It’s also the most popular sports league among Gen Z audiences, making the NBA’s return to Europe a strategic move to grow the game even further.

Key Dates to Remember

• 2026:
  • 15 January: Orlando Magic v Memphis Grizzlies – Uber Arena, Berlin
  • 18 January: Memphis Grizzlies v Orlando Magic – O2 Arena, London
• 2027:
  • One match at Accor Arena, Paris
  • One match at Co-op Live, Manchester
• 2028:
  • One match at Uber Arena, Berlin
  • One match at Accor Arena, Paris

With these exciting developments, the NBA is set to bring the thrill of professional basketball to fans across Europe, solidifying its status as a global sports powerhouse.