The Main Event: Berlin and London Set the Stage
Basketball enthusiasts in Europe can mark their calendars for a genuine NBA spectacle. The Memphis Grizzlies, led by their dynamic guard Ja Morant and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., will face off against the Orlando Magic, featuring rising star Paolo Banchero. These aren`t just any games; they are crucial regular season matchups, carrying significant weight in the competitive NBA standings.
- Berlin: Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Uber Arena. This will be a historic moment, marking the first-ever NBA regular season game to be played in Germany. While the country has hosted NBA teams for exhibition games since 1984, this marks a new chapter, firmly cementing Berlin`s place on the global basketball map.
- London: Sunday, January 18, 2026, at The O2. London has a more established history with NBA regular season games, and this event will be the 10th such official encounter in the city, and the 19th NBA game overall in the UK since 1993. The O2, a modern marvel of an arena, is well-acquainted with the roar of NBA fandom.
For fans who have previously relied on late-night broadcasts and highlight reels, these games offer a unique opportunity to witness the athleticism, strategy, and drama of the NBA up close. It`s a chance to experience the very tangible energy that only live professional basketball can provide, a stark contrast to merely observing it through a screen.
Beyond 2026: NBA`s Long-Term European Vision
The NBA`s commitment to Europe isn`t a fleeting affair. The league has outlined an ambitious multi-year plan, ensuring that the continent remains a significant part of its global strategy. Following the 2026 games, the NBA will continue its European presence:
- 2027: Regular season games are scheduled for Manchester, UK (at the Co-op Live arena), and Paris, France (at the Accor Arena). This will be Manchester`s second NBA event since 2013, but its first regular season game. Paris, meanwhile, continues to be a favorite, hosting its 6th official regular season game and 16th NBA game overall since 1991.
- 2028: The action returns to Berlin and Paris, solidifying these two capitals as key hubs for the NBA`s European outreach.
This methodical rollout of games across major European cities suggests a calculated long-term investment, not just in ticket sales, but in cultivating a deeper and broader fan base. One might even suggest the NBA views Europe as a sleeping giant, ready to be awakened to the full glory of American basketball.
More Than Just Games: Community Engagement and Global Reach
While the on-court action is undoubtedly the main draw, the NBA`s European visits are designed to be more comprehensive. The league, in collaboration with the Grizzlies and Magic, will orchestrate a series of off-court initiatives in both Berlin and London. These include:
- Community engagement programs: Connecting with local communities.
- Youth clinics: Inspiring the next generation of basketball players.
- Training programs: For coaches and referees, fostering local talent development.
- Interactive fan activities: Enhancing the overall fan experience beyond the game itself.
These parallel initiatives are crucial. They represent the NBA`s broader mission to grow the game globally, ensuring that its presence leaves a lasting legacy beyond the final buzzer. It`s a savvy move, transforming a series of games into a cultural exchange, building bridges one slam dunk and assist at a time.
Moreover, the games will be globally televised, reaching fans in over 200 countries and territories via television, digital platforms, and social media. This extensive media coverage ensures that even those not lucky enough to secure a ticket can still be part of the excitement, further solidifying basketball`s universal appeal. The NBA isn`t just playing games in Europe; it`s broadcasting a statement to the entire world about its global ambitions.
Conclusion: A New Era for European Basketball Fans
The return of NBA regular season games to Europe, spearheaded by the Grizzlies and Magic in 2026, marks a pivotal moment for basketball across the continent. It`s an affirmation of Europe`s growing importance in the global basketball landscape and a testament to the NBA`s persistent efforts to bring its unique brand of sporting entertainment to fans worldwide. For European followers of the game, this isn`t just news; it`s an open invitation to experience the pinnacle of professional basketball, live and in person, without the need for transatlantic flights. The future of NBA in Europe appears not just promising, but strategically cemented.
