NBA Announces Exciting Return to the UK with Games in London and Manchester Set for 2026 and 2027

NBA Returns to the UK with Games in London and Manchester

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to make a triumphant return to the United Kingdom, announcing that it will host regular-season games in both London and Manchester. The first match is scheduled for January 2026, followed by another anticipated game in Manchester in 2027, marking a significant revival of the league’s presence in the country since 2019.

London Game Details

The O2 Arena in London has been confirmed as the venue for an exciting encounter between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This event represents the first NBA game in the UK since the Washington Wizards’ victory over the New York Knicks four years ago. Between 2011 and 2019, London had hosted annual NBA matches, making this upcoming game a notable return for basketball fans.

Manchester’s Historic Match

Adding to the excitement, Manchester will welcome its inaugural regular-season NBA game at the Co-op Live in 2027. The specific teams participating in this match will be disclosed prior to the commencement of the season. This historic occasion follows a pre-season exhibition held in Manchester back in October 2013 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers at what was then the Manchester Arena.

City Officials’ Statements

The announcement has triggered enthusiastic responses from top officials in both cities. London’s Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, proclaimed, “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.”

In Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham expressed similar sentiment, 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 also hailed the event, emphasizing Manchester’s ability to attract major events.

Future NBA Games in Europe

Looking ahead, the NBA has ambitious plans for Europe, announcing that it will host two games in various European cities each year through 2028. For 2026, Berlin will also feature a match between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies on January 15. Additionally, Paris will host NBA games in 2027 and 2028, further expanding the league’s footprint across the continent.

NBA’s Growing Popularity in the UK

This announcement comes at a time when basketball is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, with one and a half million participating weekly. The league is particularly appealing among the younger demographic, as it has become the top sports league for Gen Z audiences in the country.

Table of NBA Games in the UK and Europe

With the NBA’s expansion into the UK and a growing number of British players making their mark in the league, the future of basketball appears bright on both a national and international scale.