yahoo - 5/20/2026 5:11:26 PM - GMT (+2 )
The NBA is bringing Victor Wembanyama back to where he grew up for a European showcase next year.
The league announced on Wednesday, May 20, that Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will play two games against the New Orleans Pelicans next season in France and England as part of the NBA's multi-year slate of regular-season action planned for Europe.
The two NBA teams will first face one another on Jan. 14, 2027 at Accor Arena in Paris and then play again on Jan. 17 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. This will be the sixth time the NBA has contested a regular-season game in Paris and it will be the first regular-season game in Manchester.
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The Spurs also played two regular-season games in Paris against the Indiana Pacers during Wembanyama's second season in January 2025. The 7-foot-4 French superstar was born and raised in the city's suburbs and began his professional career playing for clubs in the area before debuting in the NBA. Next year's trip will represent the first time the Spurs have appeared in a game in England.
The NBA has been playing games abroad since 1978 and ramped up its presence internationally more than 30 years ago. But it is seeking greater influence in European basketball at the moment, with plans on starting an NBA Europe league also backed by FIBA that could could begin play as soon as October 2027. The NBA is also scheduled to play regular-season games in Berlin and Paris in 2028.
Wembanyama's international profile, meanwhile continues to grow as he leads the Spurs through the 2026 NBA playoffs. He had 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks in their Game 1 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the Western Conference Finals. There's a chance the Spurs cross the pond next year as NBA champions featuring a young nucleus led by Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper Jr.
The Pelicans finished with a 26-56 record and traded away their 2026 first-round pick to move up in last year's draft and select promising rookie Derik Queen. They also have veterans Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and guard Dejounte Murray, but could see the roster change this offseason under new coach Jamahl Mosley and lead executive Joe Dumars.
This will be the first time the franchise plays games in France and England.
"These games provide a unique platform to showcase our team, our culture and our community to global audiences while building meaningful relationships with fans, partners and communities abroad," Dumars said in a statement. "We are grateful to be part of the NBA’s continued international growth efforts, and we are excited to help grow the game globally and connect with new generations of basketball fans."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs, Pelicans to play Paris, Manchester games
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