The NBA is making a highly anticipated return to the UK for the first time since 2019, with London and Manchester set to host regular-season games in 2026 and 2027.
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will face off at London’s O2 Arena on January 18, 2026. Following this, Manchester will host its first-ever regular-season NBA game at the Co-op Live in 2027, with teams to be announced later.
Mayors of both cities, Sir Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham, expressed their excitement, highlighting the events’ importance for their respective cities as global sporting hubs.
This UK return is part of a broader NBA expansion in Europe, with two games planned annually through 2028. Berlin will host a game in 2026, Paris in 2027, and both cities in 2028.
The news coincides with a growing contingent of British players in the NBA, including OG Anunoby and recent draftee Amari Williams, who will become the fourth active Briton in the league.
The NBA is also exploring a new professional men’s league across Europe, potentially featuring permanent clubs in cities like London and Manchester.
This comes as basketball continues to grow rapidly in the UK, now the second most popular team sport with a large and engaged fanbase.
