The passion for basketball in France continues to grow. The NBA Paris Games are a clear testament to this. This annual event has become a must-attend for both European and American basketball fans. As 2025 approaches, excitement is building among fans eager to see NBA stars take the court in Paris once again.
2025 NBA Paris Games: Two Exceptional Matches on January 23 and 25
The NBA has officially announced the return of the NBA Paris Games in 2025, with an exciting matchup. The San Antonio Spurs will face the Indiana Pacers on January 23 and 25, 2025, at the Accor Arena in Paris. This double showdown marks a first in the history of the NBA Paris Games, offering European fans a unique chance to witness two regular-season games in just three days. It’s a rare opportunity that allows more fans to experience the NBA live. The chosen dates, a Thursday evening and a Saturday, are ideal for welcoming spectators from outside the Paris region or even from other European countries.
The 2025 NBA Paris Games are expected to attract fans from all over Europe and beyond. The double matchup between the Spurs and the Pacers meets the growing demand for more NBA games on the European continent. With hundreds of thousands of people signing up each year for pre-sale access, the Accor Arena is sure to be packed for these two exceptional nights.
An Unprecedented Double Matchup: Spurs vs. Pacers at the 2025 NBA Paris Games
The announcement of the San Antonio Spurs versus Indiana Pacers matchup for the 2025 NBA Paris Games has sparked massive excitement among basketball fans. It will be the first time a team from the Western Conference, the Spurs, plays a regular-season game in Paris. This double header allows fans to witness two historic NBA franchises in action.
Led by young All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers will take on the San Antonio Spurs, a legendary team that has seen stars like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. French prodigy Victor Wembanyama has been with the Spurs since the 2023-2024 season, making the 2025 NBA Paris Games a can’t-miss event.
Victor Wembanyama: The Star of the 2025 NBA Paris Games
Victor Wembanyama’s presence at the 2025 NBA Paris Games is one of the main drivers of the excitement surrounding the event. Named Rookie of the Year in 2024, Wembanyama is considered one of the most promising players of his generation. In a few years, he could undoubtedly become the best basketball player in the world. His participation in the NBA games in Paris is especially symbolic. He’ll be playing on the Accor Arena court, not wearing the French national team jersey, but the San Antonio Spurs jersey.
Wembanyama’s return to France for these regular-season games is a unique opportunity for French and European fans to witness this exceptional talent live. His impact on the court and growing popularity make him the face of the 2025 NBA Paris Games.
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama will be the main star of the 2025 NBA Paris Games!
NBA Paris Games 2025 Tickets: Release Date
Tickets for the 2025 NBA Paris Games are expected to go on sale in the months leading up to the event. No specific date has been announced yet. Given the expected demand, it is highly recommended to stay alert for announcements to increase your chances of getting tickets. As in previous editions, tickets are likely to sell out within minutes.
2025 NBA Paris Games Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the NBA games in Paris will depend on the seating category and the view they offer of the court. Prices for the 2025 NBA Paris Games will vary depending on seat categories. Different options will be available for different budgets. Fans can expect a price range similar to previous editions, with possible adjustments.
For the 2024 NBA Paris Game, courtside seats were priced at €1875, offering an unparalleled game experience close to the action. The second row was priced at €1250, while the third and fourth rows were set at €940. Category 1 seats, offering an excellent view of the court, were available for €925.
For options a bit further from the court, Category 2 was priced at €735, followed by Category 3 at €665 and Category 4 at €525. Category 5 seats allowed fans to attend the game for €425, while Categories 6 and 7 were offered at €355 and €295, respectively. Category 7 seats with limited visibility were also available at €200.
Categories 8 and 9 offered more affordable tickets, priced at €185 and €160, with limited-view options at €125 and €110, respectively. Category 10 seats were priced at €100, while the most economical option, Category 11, was available for €80. Category 10 seats with limited visibility were priced at €65.
For the 2025 NBA Paris Games, it is possible that these prices will undergo slight adjustments, either upwards or downwards. These adjustments will depend on various factors such as demand, organizational costs, and NBA pricing policies.
History of NBA Games in Paris
Paris, the City of Lights, has always been a sought-after destination for prestigious sporting events. For several decades, the French capital has had the honor of hosting numerous NBA games, whether friendly or official. These encounters have not only allowed French fans to see American basketball stars in action but also strengthened the ties between the NBA and France. Here is a recap of NBA games that have taken place in Paris.
McDonald’s Open 1991: Los Angeles Lakers vs. CSP Limoges
In October 1991, Paris hosted the McDonald’s Open, an international tournament pitting NBA teams against European clubs. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, faced CSP Limoges, the reigning French champions. The Lakers dominated the game, winning convincingly and offering an exceptional show to the French audience.
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets (1994)
On October 18, 1994, Paris hosted its first-ever NBA pre-season game between two American teams. The Golden State Warriors, led by Tim Hardaway and Latrell Sprewell, took on the Charlotte Hornets, featuring Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson, at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, which was sold out. In an offensive showcase, the Warriors won 132-116, giving French fans a memorable performance.
Chicago Bulls vs. PSG Racing (1997)
On October 17, 1997, the legendary Chicago Bulls, five-time NBA champions, came to Paris to participate in the prestigious McDonald’s Open. Led by Michael Jordan, but without the injured Scottie Pippen, the Bulls faced PSG Racing, a French team playing in Pro A. In a closer-than-expected match, the Bulls won 89-82. This game gave French fans the chance to watch one of the greatest teams in NBA history, with a standout performance from Michael Jordan.
Chicago Bulls vs. Olympiakos (1997)
The next day, on October 18, 1997, still as part of the McDonald’s Open, the Chicago Bulls faced Olympiakos, the reigning European champions. The Bulls displayed their superiority, winning 104-78. Michael Jordan once again dazzled the Parisian crowd, further cementing his legend and leaving an indelible mark on French fans.
NBA Europe Live Tour 2003: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
On October 8, 2003, the Accor Arena (then called the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy) hosted a showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the NBA Europe Live Tour. The Spurs, with Frenchman Tony Parker as the playmaker, won the game 105-93. This match marked the start of a series of NBA games on French soil.
NBA Europe Live Tour 2006: San Antonio Spurs vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv
On October 8, 2006, the San Antonio Spurs faced Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, as part of the NBA Europe Live Tour. The Spurs, with Tony Parker leading the way, dominated the game, winning 97-84. This match gave French fans the opportunity to watch their national star alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.
NBA Europe Live Tour 2008: New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat
On October 9, 2008, Paris hosted a thrilling matchup between the New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat. The Nets narrowly won the game 100-98. This intense game featured remarkable performances on both sides, delighting the crowd at the Accor Arena.
New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (2010)
On October 6, 2010, the New York Knicks faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Accor Arena. The Knicks won the game 106-100, thanks to a solid collective performance. French player Ronny Turiaf, playing for the Knicks at the time, received a warm ovation from the crowd.
NBA Paris Game 2020: Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
January 24, 2020, marked a historic date with the first-ever NBA regular-season game held in Paris. The Charlotte Hornets faced the Milwaukee Bucks in a sold-out arena. The Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, won the game 116-103. This event was a huge success, with tickets selling out in minutes and receiving global media coverage.
NBA Paris Game 2023: Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
On January 19, 2023, the NBA returned to Paris for another regular-season game. The Chicago Bulls took on the Detroit Pistons in a highly anticipated matchup. The Bulls, with an effective duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, dominated the Pistons with a final score of 126-108. The presence of young French player Killian Hayes in the Pistons’ lineup added a special touch to the evening.
NBA Paris Game 2024: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets
On January 11, 2024, American basketball made its grand return to Paris for a new edition of the NBA Paris Game. This time, the matchup featured the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets at the Accor Arena in Bercy. The Cavaliers, led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, faced off against the Nets, whose roster included talents like Mikal Bridges and Ben Simmons (who was absent from the game).
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