NBA will showcase Spurs, Victor Wembanyama in 2027 NBA Europe games

The NBA has scheduled two regular-season games in Europe for January 2027, with the San Antonio Spurs—led by French center Victor Wembanyama—facing the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris and Manchester. The first game will take place on January 14 at Accor Arena in Paris, followed by a second match on January 17 at Co-op Live in Manchester, marking the NBA’s inaugural regular-season game in England. Wembanyama, born and raised in Paris’s suburbs, will return to his hometown, while the Spurs will make their debut in England. The announcement, made on May 20, aligns with the NBA’s broader push into European basketball, including plans for an NBA Europe league starting as early as October 2027. The league has hosted games abroad since 1978 but is expanding its international presence, with additional matches planned in Berlin and Paris in 2028. This season’s games also highlight Wembanyama’s growing global influence, as he continues to lead the Spurs through the 2026 playoffs, including a standout performance with 41 points, 24 rebounds, and three blocks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Pelicans, who finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record, will feature veterans Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Dejounte Murray, though roster changes are possible under new coach Jamahl Mosley and executive Joe Dumars. Dumars emphasized the games’ role in globalizing the NBA, stating they provide a platform to engage international fans and partners while growing the sport worldwide. This will be the first time the Pelicans have played in France or England, reinforcing the NBA’s commitment to expanding its reach beyond North America. The 2027 games follow the Spurs’ 2025 Paris matchups against the Indiana Pacers, where Wembanyama also participated. The NBA’s international growth strategy includes both one-off exhibitions and long-term league development, positioning Europe as a key market for the future.