NBA to Host Historic Regular-Season Games in Europe in 2026

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic will play two regular-season games in Europe during January 2026. The first game is scheduled for January 15, 2026, at Berlin's Uber Arena, marking the NBA's inaugural regular-season game in Germany. The second game will take place on January 18, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London, representing the league's 10th regular-season game in the United Kingdom.

This initiative is part of the NBA's broader strategy to expand its global presence, with plans to host additional regular-season games in Manchester and Paris in 2027, and in Berlin and Paris in 2028. The specific dates and participating teams for the 2027 and 2028 games will be announced prior to the respective NBA seasons.

The Berlin game holds special significance as it will feature German players Franz and Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic playing professionally in their hometown. The Wagner brothers expressed their excitement, stating, "To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us. Growing up here, we dreamed of moments like this. It's a huge honor to represent Berlin and Germany and show how much the city and country love basketball. We hope we can inspire kids the way we were inspired watching games from afar."

George Aivazoglou, the NBA's Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East, highlighted the league's commitment to its international fan base, saying, "Announcing the next three season's regular-season games in Europe reflects the incredible momentum and appetite for NBA basketball in France, Germany, the UK, and across the region."

The NBA has a history of hosting international games to promote basketball globally. Prior to these upcoming games, the league had played 14 games in Germany since 1984, all of which were preseason matches. The Berlin game in 2026 will be the first regular-season NBA game in Germany. London has previously hosted nine NBA regular-season games, with the upcoming 2026 game marking the 10th.

The NBA's decision to host regular-season games in Berlin and London reflects the league's commitment to expanding its global footprint and engaging with international audiences. By bringing high-profile games to Europe, the NBA aims to foster a deeper connection with fans, promote the sport of basketball, and inspire young athletes across the continent.

For Germany, hosting its first-ever NBA regular-season game is a significant milestone that could boost the sport's popularity and encourage greater participation at the grassroots level. The presence of local heroes like the Wagner brothers playing in Berlin adds a personal touch that may resonate with the German public.

In the UK, the 10th regular-season game in London signifies the sustained interest and growing market for basketball. These events can have economic benefits, including increased tourism and local business engagement, as fans travel to attend the games.

The NBA's European expansion is part of a broader trend among American sports leagues to engage international audiences. The National Football League (NFL), for example, has been hosting regular-season games in London since 2007 and has plans to play games in other European cities, including Berlin, in the coming years.

As the NBA continues to globalize its brand, these European games serve as a testament to the league's dedication to growing the sport of basketball worldwide and providing fans across the globe with the opportunity to experience NBA action firsthand.