NBA Expands Globally: London and Manchester to Host Regular Season Games

NBA Lands Back in the UK: London and Manchester Set for Major Basketball Showcase

Basketball fans across the United Kingdom, rejoice! The National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially confirmed its return to British soil, with London slated to host a regular-season game in early 2026, followed by Manchester in 2027.

The highly anticipated London fixture is scheduled for Sunday,January 18,2026,at the iconic O2 Arena.

This marks the NBA’s first venture into the UK since the Washington Wizards faced the New York Knicks in January 2019, concluding a streak of annual London games that ran from 2011 to 2019. The Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies are set to be the participating teams for this landmark event.

Following London’s lead, Manchester will also embrace the NBA’s presence, hosting its first-ever regular-season game in 2027 at the state-of-the-art Co-op Live arena. While the competing teams for the manchester game are yet to be announced, the city has a prior connection to the league, having hosted a pre-season clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013 at the venue now known as the AO Arena.

The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm from city leaders. the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, commented, “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.” Similarly, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, expressed his excitement: “this is great news for the city-region and is an exciting chance for us to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep.” Councillor Bev craig, leader of Manchester City council, added, “Manchester onc again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city.”

Thes UK fixtures are part of a broader European expansion strategy for the NBA, with plans to hold two games on the continent annually through 2028. Berlin is set to host one of the European games in 2026, with Paris taking the stage in 2027. Both cities are then scheduled to host a game each in 2028, further solidifying the NBA’s commitment to engaging international fan bases.

The 2025-26 NBA season is set to tip off on Tuesday, October 21.

The return of the NBA to the UK signifies a growing global appetite for professional basketball and an opportunity for British fans to witness elite talent live. As the league continues to broaden its international footprint, these games promise to be significant cultural and sporting events, igniting passion for the sport across the nation.

How might hosting regular season games in London and Manchester impact the NBA’s brand recognition and revenue streams in the European market?

A Landmark Decision for Basketball’s International Growth

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a significant expansion of its global presence, with London and manchester, England, set to host regular season games starting in the 2025-26 season. This move represents a major investment in the European basketball market and a commitment to bringing the excitement of live NBA action to a wider international audience. The announcement, made on July 31, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the basketball community worldwide.This builds on previous NBA Global Games initiatives.

Game Locations and Venues

London: Games will continue to be held at the O2 Arena, a venue already familiar with hosting NBA contests. The O2 boasts a capacity of over 20,000,providing a vibrant atmosphere for fans. Previous NBA London Games have consistently sold out, demonstrating strong demand.

Manchester: The AO Arena will become the new home for NBA regular season games in Manchester. with a capacity of around 21,000, it’s poised to become a key hub for basketball in the North of England. This marks the first time the NBA will stage regular season games in a city outside of London in the UK.

Teams Participating in the 2025-26 Season

While the full schedule is yet to be released,several teams have expressed strong interest in participating. Early reports suggest potential matchups including:

1. Boston Celtics
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. chicago Bulls
4. Detroit Pistons

Thes teams are strategically chosen to maximize fan engagement and appeal to diverse audiences. The NBA schedule release will provide definitive details.

The Impact on the UK Basketball Scene

The increased presence of the NBA in the UK is expected to have a transformative effect on the domestic basketball landscape.

Increased Participation: Exposure to high-level basketball will likely inspire more young people to take up the sport.

Progress of Talent: The presence of NBA teams could lead to increased investment in grassroots basketball programs and the development of UK-based players.

Growth of the British Basketball League (BBL): The NBA’s presence is anticipated to elevate the profile of the BBL, attracting more fans and sponsors.

Economic Benefits: Hosting NBA games will generate significant revenue for the UK economy through tourism, hospitality, and merchandise sales.

Past Context: NBA Global Games

The NBA has a long history of playing games outside of North America, dating back to 1978. The NBA Global Games program has evolved considerably over the years, with games played in:

Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK)

Asia (China, India, Japan, Philippines)

Mexico

Canada

these games have consistently proven popular with local fans, demonstrating the global appeal of the NBA. The London games,in particular,have become a regular fixture on the NBA calendar as 2011.

Ticketing Details and Fan Experience

Tickets for the 2025-26 NBA regular season games in London and Manchester will be available through official NBA channels and authorized ticket resellers. Fans can expect a premium game-day experience, including:

Pre-game fan zones with interactive activities

Live entertainment and performances

Opportunities to meet NBA players and legends

state-of-the-art arena facilities

The NBA is committed to providing an unforgettable experience for fans attending these games. NBA ticket prices will vary depending on seat location and opponent.

Broadcasting and Media Coverage

The games will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass and select television networks in the UK and internationally. Extensive media coverage is expected,with reporters and analysts providing in-depth analysis and commentary. This increased visibility will further enhance the NBA’s global brand. NBA streaming options will be readily available.

Long-Term Vision: Expanding the NBA’s Global Footprint

The decision to host regular season games in London and Manchester is part of a broader strategy to expand the NBA’s global footprint. The league is actively exploring opportunities to:

Establish permanent teams in europe

develop new basketball leagues in emerging markets

Increase investment in international player development

Strengthen partnerships with local basketball organizations

The NBA’s long-term vision is to become a truly global league, with a presence in every corner of the world. The future of the NBA is undeniably international.