NBA Returns to London in 2026: Grizzlies vs. Magic at The O2

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is bringing professional basketball back to London in 2026. The Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies will face off at The O2 arena on January 18th, 2026, marking the return of NBA regular season games to the city since 2019. This highly anticipated matchup follows a game between the same teams in Berlin's Uber Arena on January 15th, 2026. The NBA, composed of 30 teams (15 in the Eastern Conference and 15 in the Western Conference), is expanding its international presence with these games. The Orlando Magic represents the Eastern Conference while the Memphis Grizzlies represent the Western Conference. London Mayor Sadiq Khan celebrated the event, highlighting London's position as a global sporting hub. Ticket sales information is pending, but fans can register their interest via the NBA website. The NBA's commitment to international expansion is further evidenced by future plans for games in Manchester and Paris (2027), and Berlin and Paris (2028), featuring yet-to-be-announced teams. The NBA's presence in London aligns with the growing popularity of American sports in the UK, mirroring the success of NFL games in London since 2007 and the MLB London Series since 2019. This event promises to be a significant boost for London's sporting calendar and a testament to the global reach of the NBA.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/sport/nba-basketball-memphis-grizzlies-orlando-magic-2025)