NBA Basketball Returns To London In 2014
The NBA has announced details of ‘NBA Global Games London 2014’, which will see regular-season basketball action return to the English capital as part of the sport’s global expansion plans next year.
The game will see the Atlanta Hawks take on the Brooklyn Nets in a regular-season game at The O2 on 16th January. The match will mark the fourth year in a row a regular-season game has been held in London, with tickets on sale in October.
Atlanta have qualified for the NBA play-offs for the last six seasons and feature two-time All-Star centre Al Horford and guard Lou Williams, while the Nets are led by three-time All-Star Deron Williams, who was part of the USA team who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics.
The game is one of two regular-season games the NBA will play internationally as part of the 2013-14 season, which also includes a game in Mexico City between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs on 4th December as part of NBA Global Games Mexico City 2013.
These games will mark the first time the league will stage regular-season games in two different countries outside of the U.S. and Canada in the same season.
In addition to on court action, the NBA Global Games London 2014 will feature a variety of events off the court, including NBA Cares community outreach activities and interactive fan events in London. The game will also be supported by a variety of marketing and promotional partners, and will be available to fans on television and through digital media.
NBA commissioner David Stern said: ‘With the addition of regular-season games in London and Mexico City, we will play one of the most comprehensive international games schedules in our history next season.’
‘Through these games we will bring the NBA experience to more fans and provide showcases for basketball and the extraordinary talent of our players.’
Benjamin Morel, NBA senior vice-president, Europe, added: ‘Following one of the most captivating seasons and Finals in recent times, we are thrilled to announce the fourth regular-season game in London. Together with the (pre-season) game in Manchester in October, we look forward to bringing four NBA teams to the UK for the 2013-14 season.’
