The NBA is officially making its long-awaited return to the United Kingdom, with regular-season games scheduled in both London (2026) and Manchester (2027), the first time since 2019 that UK fans will see competitive NBA action on home soil.
NBA London 2026 – Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies
The first stop will be London’s O2 Arena on Sunday, 18 January 2026, where the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will go head-to-head in a regular-season clash.
This marks the NBA’s first UK appearance since January 2019, when the Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks at the same arena. Between 2011 and 2019, London had become a regular NBA hub, hosting yearly games that attracted sold-out crowds and global attention.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the announcement, calling it proof that the capital remains “the undisputed sporting capital of the world.”
NBA Manchester 2027 – First-Ever Regular Season Game
In 2027, the NBA will break new ground by bringing a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time at the state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena. While the competing teams will be announced closer to the start of the season, excitement is already building in the city.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the news was “an exciting opportunity for us to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep.”
Manchester previously hosted an NBA pre-season game back in 2013, when the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Philadelphia 76ers at what is now the AO Arena.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig added: “Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back.”
NBA’s European Schedule 2026–2028
The UK fixtures are part of a wider commitment by the NBA to expand its European presence, with two games scheduled each year between 2026 and 2028.
2026
- Thursday, 15 January – Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies (Uber Arena, Berlin)
- Sunday, 18 January – Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic (O2 Arena, London)
2027
- One game at Accor Arena, Paris
- One game at Co-op Live, Manchester
2028
- One game at Uber Arena, Berlin
- One game at Accor Arena, Paris
The 2025–26 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic run of games in Europe.
With London reclaiming its spot as a regular NBA host and Manchester set to debut as a new basketball hub, British fans will finally get the chance to witness NBA stars in full competitive action and not just pre-season warm-ups.
