The San Antonio Spurs are eagerly anticipating a return to Europe in January 2027, when they will face the New Orleans Pelicans in games scheduled in Manchester, England, and Paris. Coach Mitch Johnson and players expressed enthusiasm for the trip. Forward Julian Champagnie praised Paris following the team’s 2025 visit against the Indiana Pacers, which included a memorable homecoming for Victor Wembanyama. The NBA also has plans to partner with FIBA on a new European basketball league potentially launching in 2027 or 2028.
In-Depth:
OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s still a long way off, but the Spurs are already excited about a road trip next season that will take them back to Europe.
The Spurs will play games in January 2027 in Manchester, England, and Paris against the New Orleans Pelicans much to the delight of their coach and players.
“I’m sure it’ll be a great trip,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson declared before Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday night. “I haven’t obtained to that one quite yet, but (we’re) always seeing forward to expanding the game and being part of the cool process of being able to play outside the countest.”
The Spurs played two games in Paris in January 2025 against the Indiana Pacers, a much-anticipated series that marked a homecoming for Victor Wembanyama.
With French fans cheering his every step, the international superstar hosted a dinner and a shopping spree for the Spurs in the City of Light before guiding the team through his hometown of Le Chasnay on the outskirts of Paris.
The trip left lasting memories, several players declared.
“Oh, man, I love Paris,” forward Julian Champagnie declared before Game 1. “I absolutely loved Paris last year. It was a great experience. The people are great. The fans are great. The place is great. Obviously I’ve never been to Manchester. I’m excited to go, though. It’s going to be fun. I believe we’re up for it.”
The NBA has plans to team with FIBA to establish a new bquestionetball league in Europe that could launch play in 2027 or 2028 in various cities, including Manchester.
