The global reach of the National Basketball Association is set to expand further with the announcement that the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic will play two regular season games in Europe in January 2026. This move marks a significant progression in the league`s strategy to cultivate its international fan base, bringing authentic NBA action directly to European soil.
The Main Event: January 2026 Spectacle
Basketball enthusiasts across Europe have long yearned for more than just pre-season exhibitions. Their patience, it seems, is finally being rewarded. The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic are slated to face off in two highly anticipated matchups:
- Thursday, January 15, 2026: Berlin, Germany, at the iconic Uber Arena.
- Sunday, January 18, 2026: London, England, at the renowned O2 Arena.
These games will feature a contingent of the league`s most exciting talents. Fans in Berlin and London will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the athleticism of players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies, alongside the burgeoning stardom of Paolo Banchero from the Magic. For Banchero, whose Italian heritage resonates strongly with European audiences, this represents a unique homecoming of sorts, albeit on a different European stage.
A Strategic European Play: Beyond 2026
This isn`t merely a one-off event; it`s a strategic long-term commitment. The NBA has confirmed that its regular season European presence will continue well beyond 2026. The league plans future games in:
- 2027: Manchester (Co-op Live) and Paris (Accor Arena).
- 2028: Berlin and Paris once again.
This multi-year blueprint underscores the NBA`s dedication to embedding itself deeper into the European sports landscape, establishing a consistent calendar of high-stakes matchups. While the specific teams and exact dates for the 2027 and 2028 games are yet to be announced, the commitment itself is a clear signal of intent.
Historical Context and Expanding Horizons
While the prospect of regular season games feels like a fresh chapter, the NBA`s relationship with Europe spans decades. Germany, for instance, has hosted 13 NBA games since 1984, but the 2026 Berlin game will be its first ever regular season contest – a significant upgrade from the exhibition games of yesteryear. Similarly, the United Kingdom has seen 18 NBA games since 1993, with the 2026 London fixture marking its tenth regular season encounter. Manchester, which hosted an NBA event in 2013, will welcome its first regular season game in 2027, signifying a deliberate shift from sporadic appearances to meaningful league play.
Paris, no stranger to the NBA`s global aspirations, will host its sixth regular season game in 2027, building on a history that stretches back to 1991. The league, it appears, is graduating its European appearances from casual visits to established fixtures on the regular season calendar. One might even suggest European fans have finally convinced the NBA to bring the real show across the Atlantic, rather than merely a dress rehearsal.
More Than Just the Game: Community Engagement
The NBA`s presence extends beyond the hardwood. Alongside the games, the Grizzlies and Magic, in conjunction with the league, will host a series of community-focused initiatives in both Berlin and London. These include:
- Youth clinics to inspire the next generation of players.
- Coaching and referee training programs to foster local talent development.
- Interactive fan activities designed to immerse attendees in the authentic NBA experience.
These parallel programs highlight the league`s commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact, nurturing basketball at the grassroots level, and solidifying its cultural footprint.
Global Broadcast Phenomenon
For those unable to secure a coveted ticket, the NBA has ensured extensive global coverage. All scheduled games will be broadcast live across Europe and indeed, to fans in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. This ubiquitous media presence, spanning television, digital platforms, and social media, ensures that the spectacle of NBA basketball remains accessible to its immense global audience, further solidifying its status as a premier international sport.
The NBA`s deeper venture into Europe with regular season games is a testament to the league`s shrewd global expansion strategy. By consistently delivering high-quality, meaningful basketball and engaging with local communities, the NBA is not just playing games; it`s building a stronger, more enduring connection with its European fan base, one thunderous dunk and three-pointer at a time.
Wesley Dunham