The San Antonio Spurs and French star Victor Wembanyama will return to Paris for an NBA regular-season game in 2027.
The NBA confirmed on Wednesday that the Spurs will face the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris and Manchester next season, with the games scheduled for January 14 and January 17 respectively.
The Paris matchup will mark another homecoming for Wembanyama, who was the centre of attention when the Spurs played two regular-season games against the Indiana Pacers in the French capital in January 2025.
At the time, Wembanyama described the experience as “amazing” and “incredible”.
“It’s an incredible honor to make our return to France and play our first-ever game in England, given the strong embrace we’ve felt from the community and fans across Europe,” Spurs CEO RC Buford said in a statement.
Pelicans Prepare for First Overseas Games
The games will represent the New Orleans Pelicans’ first regular-season appearances outside the United States.
The franchise previously played preseason contests in China in 2016 against the Houston Rockets, as well as exhibition games in Europe in 2008.
“We are grateful to be part of the NBA’s continued international growth efforts, and we are excited to help grow the game globally and connect with new generations of basketball fans,” Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars said.
The NBA has continued to expand its European presence in recent years.
Earlier this season, the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic split two regular-season games played in Berlin and London.
NBA Expanding Presence Across Europe
The 2027 meeting in Manchester will be the NBA’s first regular-season game in the city, while Paris will host its sixth regular-season contest.
The league announced last year that it plans to stage at least six regular-season games in Europe between the 2025-26 and 2027-28 campaigns.
Games during the 2027-28 season are scheduled to take place in Berlin and Paris.
“Playing games in Paris and Manchester reflects the strong momentum we’re seeing for basketball and the NBA in France, the UK and across Europe,” NBA Europe and Middle East managing director George Aivazoglou said.
“As interest in the game continues to grow across the continent, we look forward to working with the Pelicans, the Spurs and our partners to deliver unique experiences for fans, aspiring players and the local communities.”
