NBA Makes Highly Anticipated Return to London for 2026 Regular Season Game
LONDON, 18 January 2026 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to light up London once again, ending a seven-year hiatus with a marquee regular-season clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic at The O2 arena today. The NBA London Game 2026, presented by Tissot, marks the league’s 10th regular-season contest in the capital and is projected to deliver a significant £100 million boost to the UK economy.
Event Details & Star Power
The fixture will see the Grizzlies act as the home team against the visiting Orlando Magic. Doors at the 20,000-capacity O2 are scheduled for 3pm, with tip-off set for approximately 5pm. The game will be broadcast live to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The Grizzlies’ roster features marquee talents such as two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant, Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., and two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They are complemented by promising young players like Zach Edey and recent draft pick Cedric Coward.
The Magic counter with their own All-Star cornerstone, Paolo Banchero, alongside the German Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, and defensive stalwart Jalen Suggs.
Key Facts: NBA London Game 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 18 January 2026 |
| Teams | Memphis Grizzlies (Home) vs. Orlando Magic (Away) |
| Venue | The O2 Arena, London |
| Historical Significance | 10th NBA regular-season game in London; 19th game featuring an NBA team in the UK since 1993. |
| Estimated Economic Impact | Approximately £100 million for the UK economy across the 2026 and 2027 Manchester games. |
| Presenting Partner | Tissot |
A Return to London and a Broader European Vision
The London game signifies the NBA’s renewed commitment to the UK market after the league’s international focus shifted to Paris from 2020. This match is part of a broader European strategy, with the teams also playing in Berlin on 15 January 2026. The league has further announced plans for games in Manchester and Paris in 2027, and Berlin and Paris again in 2028.
Alex Hill, President & CEO of AEG International, which operates The O2, stated: “We’re honoured to welcome the NBA back to our iconic venue in London… this January, The O2 will once again take centre stage.”
More Than a Game: Community and Culture
Surrounding the game will be a full programme of community and fan engagement activities. The NBA, Grizzlies, and Magic will conduct NBA Cares community outreach initiatives, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinics, coach development programmes, and interactive fan events like the touring “Hoopbus”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted the event’s importance: “London is the undisputed sporting capital of the world… I am determined to continue bringing more of the world’s biggest sporting events to London.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last NBA game in London?
The last NBA regular-season game in London was on 17 January 2019, when the Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks 101-100 at The O2.
How can I get tickets for future NBA games in the UK?
Official tickets for the 2026 London game are on sale via the official O2 and AXS websites. Fans are advised to only purchase through these official channels to avoid invalid tickets. For future games, including the 2027 Manchester event, fans can register interest at NBA.com/EuropeGames.
What is the long-term plan for the NBA in Europe?
The league has announced a multi-year schedule of regular-season games across Europe, solidifying its presence. There is also speculation that London could become a hub city for a potential “NBA Europe” league in the future.