Spurs and Pelicans to Play NBA Regular‑Season Games in Paris and Manchester

*TL;DR: The San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans will meet in Paris on Jan. 14 and Manchester on Jan. 17, marking the NBA’s continued push into Europe.

Context The NBA is adding at least six regular‑season games in Europe over the next three seasons. Earlier this year, the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic played in Berlin and London, and the league plans further fixtures in Berlin and Paris for 2027‑28. Paris will host its sixth regular‑season NBA game, while Manchester will host its first.

Key Facts - The Spurs‑Pelicans series is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Paris and Jan. 17 in Manchester. - Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the team is eager to expand the game by playing abroad. - Pelicans governor Gayle Benson highlighted that the European games will strengthen the organization’s cultural and economic ties in the region. - Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ 7‑foot‑4 forward and 2023 No. 1 draft pick, will return to France for the Paris matchup, reinforcing the franchise’s presence in the French market. - Both clubs will run youth clinics, coach and referee development programs, and fan‑engagement events alongside the games. - The NBA’s managing director for Europe, George Aivazoglou, noted strong momentum for basketball across France, the U.K., and the continent.

What It Means The back‑to‑back European fixtures give the NBA a tangible foothold in two major markets. For the Spurs, the games leverage Wembanyama’s French heritage to deepen fan engagement and commercial opportunities. For the Pelicans, the events align with broader organizational goals of expanding cultural and economic connections, especially as governor Benson also owns the New Orleans Saints, who will play in Paris later this year. The NBA’s broader plan includes a potential Europe‑based league as early as fall 2027, with Paris and Manchester listed as candidate cities. Successful execution of the Spurs‑Pelicans games could accelerate that timeline by demonstrating viable market demand and operational capability.

Looking Ahead Watch for ticket sales trends, local sponsorship deals, and the impact of the youth programs on grassroots participation as the NBA gauges Europe’s readiness for a permanent league presence.