The NBA London Game 2026 promises to deliver world-class basketball action to the UK, as the league continues to expand its global footprint. Set to take place in January 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic O2 Arena in London, one of Europe’s premier sports and entertainment venues. While the participating teams have not yet been announced, fans can expect a thrilling regular-season clash featuring two top-tier NBA franchises.
NBA London Game 2026: Date and Venue
Basketball fans across the UK and Europe should mark their calendars for January 2026, when the NBA returns to the British capital for another unforgettable showdown. The O2 Arena, located in the heart of London, will once again serve as the stage for this prestigious international event, known for drawing sell-out crowds and intense on-court action.
Building on the success of previous editions, the NBA London Game 2026 will offer fans the chance to witness live NBA action in one of the most iconic venues in Europe. With its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant atmosphere, the O2 Arena is perfectly suited to host this high-profile game, attracting basketball enthusiasts from across the continent.
This event forms part of the NBA’s long-term commitment to engaging fans worldwide and growing the game of basketball beyond North America. The NBA London Game 2026 is expected to be one of the most anticipated sports events of the year in the UK, offering a unique opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of the NBA live in London.
NBA London Game 2026 Ticket Sales
Fans eagerly awaiting the NBA London Game 2026 won’t have to wait much longer to secure their seats. While the official ticket release date has yet to be announced, sales are expected to go live in the autumn of 2025. Given the immense popularity of past NBA games in London, tickets are likely to sell out quickly—so early planning is essential.
To stay ahead of the crowd, you can ensure you’re the first to know when tickets become available by subscribing to alerts. Simply enter your email address in the form at the bottom of this page, and we’ll notify you as soon as tickets go on sale. Don’t miss your chance to experience world-class NBA action live at the iconic O2 Arena in London. Get ready for an unforgettable night of basketball in the UK capital.
NBA London Game 2026 Ticket Prices
Official pricing for the NBA London Game 2026 has not yet been confirmed, but based on recent NBA international fixtures—including those in Paris and Abu Dhabi—fans can expect a wide range of ticket options catering to different budgets and experiences.
To give you an idea, tickets for the NBA Paris Games typically ranged from around £80 GBP for upper-tier seating to over £1,800 GBP for courtside VIP experiences. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games featured similar pricing, with exclusive hospitality packages reaching beyond £2,500 GBP. The London edition is likely to offer comparable pricing tiers.
Expected ticket categories include:
- Courtside Seats: Premium, up-close views with potential VIP perks and hospitality access.
- Lower Bowl: Excellent seating near the court with clear sightlines and immersive atmosphere.
- Mid-Tier Sections: Balanced pricing with good views—ideal for fans looking for value and experience.
- Upper Bowl: More affordable seats with access to the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game.
- Restricted View: Budget-friendly options with limited visibility but access to the live NBA experience.
Ticket prices may vary depending on demand and market dynamics, especially for premium seating. Fans are advised to be ready once ticket sales are announced, as availability is expected to be limited and demand extremely high.
The History of NBA Games in London
London has become one of the NBA’s most iconic international destinations, hosting a series of memorable preseason and regular-season games over the past three decades. From early exhibition matchups in the 1990s to thrilling regular-season clashes at The O2 Arena, the British capital has played a key role in the league’s global growth. With the NBA London Game 2026 on the horizon, let’s take a look back at the standout moments that have defined the NBA’s legacy in London.
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks (1993)
The NBA’s journey in London began with a pair of preseason games on October 30 and 31, 1993, featuring the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks. These games marked the NBA’s first-ever appearances in the UK capital, with fans getting an early taste of elite American basketball. Featuring a young Shaquille O’Neal and Dominique Wilkins, the event sparked interest across the country and set the foundation for future NBA visits.
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (October 10, 2007)
On October 10, 2007, the Boston Celtics faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at The O2 Arena in London. With new addition Kevin Garnett joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics won 92–81, showcasing a glimpse of the “Big Three” era. The game attracted a large UK crowd and marked the beginning of the NBA Europe Live Tour’s momentum in Britain.
Miami Heat vs. New Jersey Nets (October 12, 2008)
The Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets delivered a competitive clash on October 12, 2008, as part of the NBA Europe Live Tour at The O2 Arena in London. The Nets narrowly edged the Heat 94–92 in a thrilling preseason game. Fans were excited to watch Vince Carter and Michael Beasley take the court, as the NBA continued to grow its UK fanbase.
Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls (October 6, 2009)
On October 6, 2009, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 102–101 in a nail-biting finish at The O2 Arena in London. Rising star Derrick Rose impressed the crowd, while the Jazz countered with solid performances from Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. The close scoreline and dramatic ending thrilled fans and added to the legacy of NBA games in London.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (October 4, 2010)
On October 4, 2010, the reigning NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers took on the Minnesota Timberwolves at The O2 Arena in London. Despite a strong lineup featuring Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers fell 111–92 to the young Timberwolves squad. The sold-out crowd witnessed an exciting display of basketball and star power in one of Europe’s most iconic venues.
Toronto Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets (March 4, 2011)
The first regular-season NBA game ever played in Europe took place on March 4, 2011, between the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets. Held at The O2 Arena in London, the game ended in a 116–103 victory for the Nets, with Deron Williams leading the way. The crowd of 18,689 witnessed history, as the NBA brought competitive action to the UK for the first time.
Toronto Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets (March 5, 2011)
Just one day later, the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets faced off again at The O2 Arena. This time, the game turned into a triple-overtime thriller, with the Nets narrowly winning 137–136. Fans were treated to one of the most dramatic NBA games ever played overseas, as Brook Lopez and Andrea Bargnani battled it out in front of another sold-out crowd of 18,689.
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons (January 17, 2013)
On January 17, 2013, the New York Knicks dominated the Detroit Pistons 102–87 at The O2 Arena in London. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with a strong performance, delighting a capacity crowd of 18,689. The event reinforced the UK’s growing interest in the NBA and showcased one of the league’s most popular franchises to British fans.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks (January 16, 2014)
The Brooklyn Nets took on the Atlanta Hawks on January 16, 2014, in another NBA London Game hosted at The O2 Arena. The Nets cruised to a 127–110 victory, with Joe Johnson putting on a show in front of 18,689 fans. The game highlighted the NBA’s continued success in building its brand in the UK market.
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks (January 15, 2015)
London welcomed back the New York Knicks on January 15, 2015, as they faced the rising Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks dominated the matchup with a 95–79 win, led by Brandon Knight and a young Giannis Antetokounmpo. The sold-out crowd of 18,689 saw a glimpse of the Bucks’ emerging potential on the global stage.
Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic (January 14, 2016)
On January 14, 2016, the Toronto Raptors edged out the Orlando Magic in a thrilling 106–103 overtime victory at The O2 Arena. With DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry leading the charge, the Raptors delivered a memorable performance in front of 18,689 fans. The Magic, led by Nikola Vučević, pushed the game into OT, keeping the British crowd on the edge of their seats.
Indiana Pacers vs. Denver Nuggets (January 12, 2017)
The Denver Nuggets delivered a dominant display on January 12, 2017, defeating the Indiana Pacers 140–112 at The O2 Arena. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler led the offensive explosion for Denver, thrilling the sold-out audience of 18,689. It was one of the highest-scoring NBA games ever played in London.
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers (January 11, 2018)
On January 11, 2018, the Boston Celtics mounted an impressive comeback to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 114–103. Held at The O2 Arena in front of 19,078 fans, the game featured breakout stars like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum. The high-energy matchup confirmed the NBA’s rising popularity in the UK.
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards (January 17, 2019)
The Washington Wizards narrowly defeated the New York Knicks 101–100 on January 17, 2019, in the most dramatic NBA London Game to date. Played at The O2 Arena in front of 19,078 fans, the game ended with a last-second goaltending call, giving the Wizards the win. Bradley Beal and Emmanuel Mudiay were standout performers in this unforgettable finish.
Looking Ahead: NBA London Game 2026
Now, with NBA London Game 2026 on the horizon, excitement is once again building. While the teams and official date are yet to be confirmed, the game is expected to return to the legendary The O2 Arena in January 2026. This upcoming edition will mark the NBA’s return to London after several years, promising to deliver another unforgettable night of basketball in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
As the league continues to strengthen its global presence, London remains a cornerstone of the NBA’s European strategy. With a history of sell-out crowds, top-tier matchups, and unforgettable moments, the city is poised to write the next exciting chapter in its NBA story.