NBA to host first ever regular-season match in Manchester at Co-op Live in 2027
The San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans will play at Co-op Live on January 17, 2027, as part of a European double-header that also takes in Paris, with the fixture featuring French star Victor Wembanyama.
Manchester is set to host its first ever regular-season NBA match when the San Antonio Spurs take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Co-op Live in January 2027.
The game on Sunday, January 17 forms the second half of a European double-header, with the two sides first facing each other at the Accor Arena in Paris on Thursday, January 14. The two matches will take place within 72 hours of each other.
Who are the star names?
The fixture will bring French centre Victor Wembanyama to Manchester. Wembanyama finished third in this season's vote for the NBA Most Valuable Player award and is one of basketball's most popular figures. His Spurs side are currently leading 1-0 in this season's Western Conference finals against reigning NBA champions the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What has Andy Burnham said?
When it was confirmed last year that Manchester would host a 2027 NBA game, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "This is great news for the city-region and is an exciting opportunity for us to see some of the best basketball players in the world on our doorstep."
What are the NBA's European plans?
The NBA has been expanding its European presence, with the league focused on both Paris and Manchester as part of plans to launch an independent NBA Europe league. Both cities are attracting interest from investors over potential franchises, with the league potentially starting as early as the 2027-28 season.
George Aivazoglou, NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East, said: "Playing games in Paris and Manchester reflects the strong momentum we're seeing for basketball and the NBA in France, the UK and across Europe."
Earlier this year, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies played a similar multi-city double-header across Berlin and London in January. Another double-header is scheduled for Berlin and Paris in 2028.
Key dates:
January 14, 2027 - San Antonio Spurs v New Orleans Pelicans, Accor Arena, Paris January 17, 2027 - New Orleans Pelicans v San Antonio Spurs, Co-op Live, Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the NBA game in Manchester?
- The San Antonio Spurs will play the New Orleans Pelicans at Co-op Live on Sunday, 17 January 2027.
- Has Manchester hosted an NBA game before?
- This will be the first time Manchester has hosted a regular-season NBA match, marking a major milestone for the city's sporting calendar.
- Will Victor Wembanyama play in Manchester?
- Yes, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama is expected to feature for the San Antonio Spurs during the 2027 European double-header.