NBA Returns to the UK with Matches in London and Manchester
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is making its long-awaited return to the United Kingdom, with plans for two regular-season games scheduled for 2026 and 2027. This announcement marks the first time NBA action will take place on British soil since a match between the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks in January 2019.
2026 Game Details
The first game is set to take place at London’s renowned O2 Arena on January 18, 2026. The matchup will feature the Orlando Magic going up against the Memphis Grizzlies. London has previously hosted annual NBA games from 2011 to 2019, and this event will further rekindle the excitement for basketball in the city.
Manchester’s NBA Debut
In a thrilling development, the city of Manchester will also join the NBA lineup, hosting its first regular-season game in 2027 at the Co-op Live venue. The specific teams set to compete in this event have yet to be announced but will be revealed prior to the commencement of the season.
Statements from City Officials
Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, expressed enthusiasm over the announcement, 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, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of bringing world-class basketball to the region: “This is great news for the city-region and is an exciting opportunity for us to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep.”
Councillor Bev Craig, who leads the Manchester City Council, also welcomed the news, stating, “Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city.”
Upcoming NBA Europe Games
As part of a broader expansion plan, the NBA has announced that it will hold two games in Europe each year through 2028. Aside from London and Manchester, Berlin is set to host a game on January 15, 2026, while Paris will feature an additional game in 2027. Details regarding teams for the later matches will be released closer to their respective seasons.
Table: NBA Regular Season Games in the UK
| Year | Date | Location | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 15 | Berlin | Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2026 | January 18 | London | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic |
| 2027 | To Be Announced | Manchester | Teams to be announced |
A Flourishing Basketball Scene
The NBA’s return comes at a time when basketball is gaining immense popularity in the UK, with approximately 1.5 million players participating weekly and a fanbase that is around eight million strong. This growing interest positions the NBA as a leading sports league, particularly among younger audiences in the country.
Furthermore, the recent draft selection of Nottingham native Amari Williams by the Boston Celtics demonstrates the increasing involvement of British players in the league. With NBA officials exploring opportunities for a professional men’s league in Europe, the future looks promising for basketball in the UK.
