Wednesday, April 22, 2026

NBA Global Games Cross The Pond

Earlier this month, the NBA held games in London and Mexico. Image via the NBA

Earlier this month, the NBA held games in London and Mexico. Image via the NBA

Earlier this month, the National Basketball Association (NBA) held two regular season games outside of the United States on the same day. The nightcap that drew much attention took place in Mexico City, Mexico, between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. The game was played in Arena Ciudad de México, which holds up to 22,300 fans, larger than most NBA arenas.

Quietly, earlier in the day, a 3 p.m. affair featuring the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets played out across the Atlantic Ocean. The game was held in London’s O2 Arena, and aired on NBATV with modest news coverage.

Perhaps the 5–8 hour time difference (depending on where you live in North America) had something to do with the low ratings. Nonetheless, another NBA battle commenced with Denver winning in a route, 140–112.

Denver’s head coach Mike Malone gave high praise to his team and their European performance. “I joked with our guys after the game, `I think we’re going to stay here in London and play our home games here,’” Malone said. “Our guys were very comfortable out there and we had one of our best performances.”

According to ESPN, this game marked the fifth consecutive year the NBA has held a regular season game in London and the seventh overall. In comparison to Mexico City, London’s O2 arena holds 18,689 fans.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was on hand to watch the festivities and addressed the media before tip-off. According to Silver, the league is committed to increasing the number of regular season games it plays internationally, but the NBA doesn’t have any firm plans to take games to new locations.

He also stated that one possibility the league is closely examining is a preseason game in Australia.

We now know that basketball is a global sport. The Summer Olympics continue to show the games evolution, as new countries emerge, vying for an elusive Gold medal and international bragging rights.

The game itself might be insignificant in the wins and loss columns at seasons end; however, the bigger picture for the NBA brand is to establish itself to the masses.

Each year, the NFL hosts regular season games in England, and a rabid fan base has begun to show up in droves. While basketball continues to develop, the league is pushing for exposure in new markets.

Players and endorsers are also savvy to these promotional opportunities. Case in hand, Pacers’ star forward Paul George used the international platform to debut his Nike basketball signature shoe, the PG1. It was a hit on social media as ‘sneakerheads’ praised the footwear on court and seemed eager to buy pairs once available in the States.

Will we see more televised games played in Europe, Asia, and Australia in the years to come?

It’s only a matter of time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Featured Today

Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
February 11, 2026

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.