Spurs to play Pelicans in Paris January 2027

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

San Antonio Spurs will again play a regular-season NBA game in Paris in January 2027. The announced opponent is the New Orleans Pelicans, according to reports surfacing over the last few days. This marks a return to the French capital for the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama at the helm. The fixture is slated for the Accor Arena.

The Spurs' 2027 Paris engagement against the Pelicans, confirmed across multiple reports, places another regular-season NBA game in Europe. This follows previous exhibitions and a 2025 Spurs Week Paris event, underscoring a growing commitment to international play by the league and the franchise.

A second European game for the league is also planned, this one in Manchester, England, occurring three days after the Paris matchup. Details surrounding this Manchester game remain scant, but it's understood to involve the same two franchises. The choice of Manchester is seen by some as a strategic move by the NBA, potentially tied to discussions about developing its European presence.

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Conference Finals Heat: Spurs Battle Thunder

Meanwhile, the present-day on-court drama for the Spurs involves a tight Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The series was tied 1-1 heading into a recent Game 3, scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, at 2:30 AM. This playoff clash features prominent figures such as Wembanyama, the Defensive Player of the Year, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned MVP consideration. The intensity of this series was highlighted by a double-overtime Game 1 victory for the Spurs.

Updates on player availability for the Spurs-Thunder series indicate that De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper have been cleared to play. However, Jalen Williams of the Thunder has been sidelined due to injury. This playoff matchup is being broadcast on Prime Video.

Historical Context

The NBA's presence in Paris is not entirely new. The Spurs previously played in Bercy in January 2025, though specifics about that event, beyond being a return to the capital, are not detailed here. Their prior encounters with the Indiana Pacers also took place in Bercy. The upcoming 2027 dates are part of a broader international strategy by the NBA. France, in particular, has been a focus, partly due to the emergence of French stars like Wembanyama, whose presence undoubtedly elevates interest in these overseas games.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Spurs play the Pelicans in Paris?
The San Antonio Spurs will play the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris in January 2027. This game is part of the NBA's plan to hold more regular-season games outside the United States.
Q: Why are the Spurs playing in Paris again?
The Spurs are returning to Paris for a regular-season game in January 2027. This follows previous games played there and shows the NBA's growing focus on international markets, especially with French star Victor Wembanyama.
Q: What is the location for the Spurs vs Pelicans Paris game?
The NBA game between the Spurs and the Pelicans in January 2027 will be held at the Accor Arena in Paris.
Q: Will there be another NBA game in Europe soon?
Yes, another NBA game is planned for Manchester, England, just three days after the Paris game. It is expected to feature the same two teams, the Spurs and the Pelicans.