The National Basketball Association is firmly cementing its position across the Atlantic. Over the next three regular seasons, fans in the Old Continent will be treated to six official games held in the iconic arenas of Germany, the United Kingdom and France. Such a packed calendar — not just a gesture of friendship, but a strategic move designed to expand the audience and strengthen the NBA’s commercial presence in Europe.
Route for 2026: Berlin and London
The first stop in the new series is scheduled for 15 January 2026. In the German capital, the “Orlando Magic” will face the “Memphis Grizzlies”. Just three days later, the same rivals will shift their duel to the floor of London’s O2 Arena. Two games in such a short span — a rare chance for European fans to witness the “magic” of Paolo Banchero and the lightning-quick drives of Ja Morant live.
Plan for 2027: Manchester Welcomes, Paris Continues
One official game of the 2026/27 season will take place in Manchester, and another — in the French capital. The participants are still under wraps, but insiders predict that at least one team from media-magnet Los Angeles will be involved. In any case, demand for tickets will be frantic: any marquee bearing the NBA logo instantly sells out in Europe.
Return in 2028: Berlin – Paris Double
Two years later the league will reprise the German-French capital pairing. The specific franchises will be announced closer to the event, guided by competitive intrigue and marketing appeal. For Paris it will be the third regular-season staging in quick succession — the city is cementing its status as the NBA’s European stronghold.
Historical Context: From Tokyo 1990 to Paris 2025
The first official game outside the United States and Canada was held on 2 November 1990 in Tokyo, where the “Phoenix Suns” defeated the “Utah Jazz” 119–96. Europe’s premiere came in March 2011, when the “New Jersey Nets” twice beat the “Toronto Raptors” in London. The latest step in expansion was the January 2025 double-header in Paris, where the “San Antonio Spurs” and the “Indiana Pacers” put on a show for French basketball aficionados.
What This Means for the League and Fans
Expanding the schedule across the ocean — it is not only about brand awareness, but also a stern test of club logistics. Players face long-haul flights, and coaching staffs must adapt training cycles to different time zones. On the upside, fans gain the chance to see stars of Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo calibre without a trans-Atlantic journey, while Europe’s market for licensed merchandise and broadcast rights gets a fresh growth impulse.
The accelerating NBA “Euro-route” confirms that basketball’s globalization is reaching a new level, and it is quite possible that regular-season games will soon become a tradition not only in selected metropolises, but also in less obvious basketball spots across Europe.
