NBA Matches set for London and Manchester
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is preparing to return to the United Kingdom, marking its first games in the country since 2019. Exciting plans have been unveiled, with matches scheduled in London and Manchester in the upcoming years.
Upcoming Matches
The O2 Arena in London will be the venue for a highly anticipated regular-season game between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies, taking place on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This event will be the NBA’s first match in the UK since the Washington Wizards triumphed over the New York Knicks in January 2019. London had previously hosted annual NBA games from 2011 until 2019.
In a historic moment for Manchester, the city will host its first-ever regular-season NBA game in 2027 at the newly established Co-op Live venue. Details regarding the teams competing in this match will be announced prior to the start of that season.
A Boost for Local Sports
The return of the NBA is generating excitement among local officials. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, remarked, “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, Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham expressed enthusiasm, stating, “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, leader of Manchester City Council, also emphasized how Manchester continues to attract major international sporting events.
European Expansion of the NBA
The league has planned two games in Europe each year from 2026 through 2028. In addition to the London game, a second match will take place in Berlin on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Following this, in 2027, Paris will host one of the games, and both Berlin and Paris are set to welcome NBA matches in 2028. The teams participating in these future events will be disclosed before the start of their respective seasons.
A Booming Basketball Scene
Basketball continues to grow in popularity across the UK, with approximately 1.5 million participants engaging in the sport on a weekly basis, making it the second most popular team sport in the country. Reports indicate that roughly eight million fans reside in the UK, with basketball being particularly favored among Generation Z audiences.
| Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies | Uber Arena, Berlin |
| January 18, 2026 | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic | O2 Arena, London |
| TBA | Co-op Live, Manchester – 2027 |
As the NBA prepares to make its mark once again on British soil, the engagement with local cities and basketball enthusiasts remains a focal point, promising an exciting future for the sport in the United Kingdom.
