NBA Heads to Europe: Magic vs. Grizzlies Set to Kick Off International Action in Berlin and London

The NBA is stretching its global wings again—this time with an electrifying European tour that’s set to unfold over the next three seasons. From Berlin to London, Manchester to Paris, the league is giving international hoops fans front-row seats to some live regular-season action.

🏀 Mark Your Calendars: Berlin and London Are Up First

The first stop? Berlin, Germany. On January 15, 2026, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will tip off at Uber Arena in what promises to be a history-making matchup. Just three days later, on January 18, the same two squads will square off again—this time at the iconic O2 Arena in London.

For German basketball fans, this Berlin showdown isn’t just another NBA game—it’s a milestone. It will be the first-ever regular-season NBA game played in Germany, and fans couldn’t be more pumped. Berlin native brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner, who both play for the Magic, called it “a dream come true.”

“To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us,” said the Wagner brothers in a heartfelt joint statement. “Growing up here, we dreamed of moments like this.”

🌍 NBA Goes Big on Global Expansion

This isn’t just a one-off event—it’s a full-fledged international expansion strategy. The NBA revealed plans to host six regular-season games in Europe over the next three years, showcasing some of its most exciting teams in world-class arenas.

So, what’s on the horizon after 2026?

• 2027: Games at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, and Accor Arena in Paris, France.

• 2028: A return to both Uber Arena (Berlin) and Accor Arena (Paris).

The league hasn’t yet announced which teams will feature in the 2027 and 2028 matchups, but fans can expect those details to drop prior to the 2026-27 and 2027-28 NBA seasons.

Fun Fact: The NBA has never hosted a regular-season game in Manchester before. So when 2027 rolls around, Manchester fans will be part of another historic moment.

✨ Grizzlies Make Franchise History

While Orlando has had some previous international experience, this will be a groundbreaking first for the Memphis Grizzlies.

“We appreciate the opportunity to represent the NBA and to represent the city of Memphis and state of Tennessee on an international stage in Berlin and London,” said Grizzlies president Jason Wexler. “This is a first for our franchise, and we are excited for fans worldwide to see the talents of the Memphis Grizzlies on full display.”

You can bet Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and the rest of the squad will be ready to show out for a global audience. For Memphis, this isn’t just about basketball—it’s about brand-building, culture exchange, and giving international fans a closer look at one of the league’s most dynamic young teams.

🎯 London and Paris: Familiar Ground for NBA Action

While Berlin and Manchester are fresh territory for regular-season games, London and Paris are well-acquainted with NBA action.

• London has hosted nine regular-season NBA games already, making it one of the league’s most-visited European cities.

• Paris has seen five regular-season clashes go down in its vibrant hoops-loving atmosphere.

Both cities have consistently drawn packed houses and enthusiastic crowds. And based on current buzz, the upcoming games in 2026, 2027, and 2028 should be no different.

👀 Why Europe? Why Now?

The NBA's move to bring real, competitive games—not just preseason exhibitions—to European soil speaks volumes. The league knows that basketball's international appeal is growing fast. From sold-out arenas to skyrocketing TV viewership, the global appetite for NBA basketball is undeniable.

Let’s not forget the current NBA roster is stacked with European stars:

• Luka Dončić (Slovenia)

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)

• Nikola Jokić (Serbia)

• Victor Wembanyama (France)

• And of course, Franz Wagner (Germany)

When international fans watch players from their home countries light up the NBA, the connection grows even stronger. So staging official games in Europe? It’s not just smart marketing—it’s something the fans truly crave.

🎉 Local Talent Gets the Spotlight

For Franz and Moritz Wagner, playing in Berlin isn't just special—it’s personal.

“It’s a huge honor to represent Berlin and Germany and show how much the city and country love basketball,” said the brothers. “We hope we can inspire kids the way we were inspired watching games from afar.”

This kind of homecoming adds a special layer of emotion and pride. Expect the Berlin crowd to go wild when the Wagner brothers hit the floor, donning the Magic jersey in front of their hometown fans.

🏟️ A Look at the Arenas

The selected venues aren’t just random picks—they’re some of the most modern and fan-friendly arenas in Europe.

• Uber Arena (Berlin) – A cutting-edge facility known for its electric atmosphere.

• O2 Arena (London) – Host to concerts, sports, and mega-events; an NBA favorite.

• Co-op Live (Manchester) – Brand new and ready to make a big debut with NBA action.

• Accor Arena (Paris) – Already loved by NBA fans and players alike for its energy and layout.

These top-tier locations ensure that the in-arena experience will be just as thrilling as what happens on the court.

⏰ NBA Regular Season Kickoff

Before the overseas games even start, fans will already be deep into the 2025-26 NBA season, which is set to tip off on October 21, 2025.

So by the time January rolls around, teams like the Magic and Grizzlies will be in midseason form—bringing intense competition to the international stage, not just some flashy exhibition.

🔥 What This Means for the NBA’s Global Future

This multi-year European rollout signals a bigger move for the NBA. The league isn’t just dipping its toe into international markets—it’s making a cannonball splash. The Global Games concept is turning into something much more serious and consistent.

From tapping into new fan bases to giving young international kids new idols to look up to, these games are about shaping the next generation of players and fans alike.

And with the possibility of more markets being added in future seasons (could Spain or Italy be next?), it’s clear the NBA is only just getting started.

📝 Final Thoughts

So whether you’re in Memphis, Orlando, Berlin, London—or anywhere in between—get ready. The NBA’s going global like never before, and it’s bringing star power, franchise-firsts, and a whole lot of buzz to courts across Europe.

Don’t be surprised if these six games end up being some of the most memorable moments of the next three NBA seasons.

✅ Quick Recap: NBA Goes to Europe

• 6 NBA regular-season games coming to Europe from 2026 to 2028.

• Magic vs. Grizzlies tip things off in Berlin (Jan 15, 2026) and London (Jan 18, 2026).

• Future games in Manchester and Paris lined up.

• First regular-season NBA game ever in Germany and Manchester.

• Players like Franz Wagner returning home to play in front of local fans.

• NBA global growth is kicking into high gear.