The NBA is playing regular-season basketball in Paris on Thursday for the third time since 2020. Accor Arena, which can fit roughly 15,000 fans for basketball games, is hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
Paused in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic, the Paris series is back for the second year in a row and once more a staple of the NBA’s international growth plans. Next season, the league could be putting on its most-hyped matchup in Paris yet, as French sensation Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs are reportedly being targeted as one team to make the trip abroad. The Spurs have agreed in principle to participate in a Paris game and are already making plans to do so, according to The Athletic.
Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, currently has not only the best-selling NBA jersey in France, but in all of Europe. (In the U.S. and Canada, the 20-year-old sits only behind long-tenured superstars Steph Curry and LeBron James.)
Despite the Spurs owning the NBA’s second-worst record almost halfway through Wembanyama’s rookie season, his presence in the league is drawing more French fans. NBA game viewership in France is up 23% year-over-year, while NBA League Pass subscriptions in the country have gone up 26%.
On Thursday, French fans will get their annual dose of live NBA action in Paris. But next year, should Wemby come to town, there could be pandemonium.
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_26465842_168416386_lowres-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_26636703-scaled-e1770932227605.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/USATSI_28173562_168416386_lowres-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 28, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA's Bryson DeChambeau reacts after hitting his approach on the 15th hole during the singles on the final day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/USATSI_27197957_168416386_lowres-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
