Spurs vs Pelicans Paris 2027: Wembanyama Returns to France

The NBA is coming back to Paris in January 2027! The Spurs will play the Pelicans. This is the second time the Spurs play in Paris.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama will once again grace Paris with their presence for a regular-season NBA game. The team is scheduled to face the New Orleans Pelicans in January 2027, as announced by the league on Wednesday. This marks the second visit for the Spurs, who previously played in the French capital, and a significant marker for Wembanyama's return to the city where he first garnered widespread international attention.

The NBA’s venture into Europe continues with a scheduled regular-season matchup between the Spurs and Pelicans in Paris on January 14, 2027. This event follows a previous game held in Paris, though the specific opponent and date for that earlier contest were not immediately recalled in this report. The league’s expansion efforts in Europe are underscored by this commitment, suggesting a sustained interest in the region’s basketball market.

Beyond Paris: Manchester Beckons

Following the Parisian engagement, the same two franchises, the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans, will head to Manchester. This will be the first time the English city hosts an NBA regular-season game. Manchester's selection is seen as strategic, given its role in discussions surrounding the NBA's European development initiatives. Both Paris and Manchester were previously confirmed as host cities for NBA games last year, but the specific matchups remained undisclosed until this recent announcement.

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Historical Context

The NBA has been steadily increasing its presence in Europe, with exhibition games and now regular-season contests becoming a fixture. Victor Wembanyama, a French prodigy, has been a focal point of the league’s international marketing, his move to the Spurs amplifying global interest in the NBA. His return to Paris is thus a narrative thread connecting the league's expansion ambitions with its burgeoning global stars. The league aims to foster deeper connections with European fan bases and tap into new markets, a strategy evidenced by these multi-city European tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the San Antonio Spurs play the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris?
The Spurs and Pelicans will play in Paris on January 14, 2027. This is a regular season NBA game.
Q: Why is Victor Wembanyama playing in Paris again?
Victor Wembanyama is a French player for the San Antonio Spurs. He will return to play in his home country for the first time since joining the NBA.
Q: Will the Spurs also play in another UK city?
Yes, after the game in Paris, the Spurs and Pelicans will also play in Manchester, England. This will be the first NBA regular season game held in Manchester.
Q: Why is the NBA holding games in Europe?
The NBA wants to connect more with fans in Europe and find new fans. Holding games in cities like Paris and Manchester helps them grow the sport outside of North America.