NBA make announcements of global games set to take place next season.
The NBA is set to return to the UK for a regular season game next year, as the Brooklyn Nets take on the Atlanta Hawks at the O2 Arena in London on January 16 2014.
While the San Antonio Spurs are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 4 in Mexico City, UK fans will be delighted to have another two franchises cross the pond after the success of last season’s game between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.
The Nets will be making their third trip to London, having played a pre-season game in 2008 and then two regular season games against the Toronto Raptors in 2011.
They will also be led by new coach Jason Kidd barring a disastrous start to the season, with the veteran point guard playing for the Knicks on his trip back in January.
Brooklyn are clearly excited by the prospect of taking the franchise abroad, with British fans looking forward to seeing the likes of Deron Williams and Brook Lopez in action.
“We are very excited to once again represent the NBA in London,” Nets general manager Billy King said in a statement. “The fans have always been very supportive, and we look forward to once again entertaining them with Brooklyn Nets basketball.”
“Playing in London will be a special experience for our players and coaches, and we are proud to represent Atlanta in front of an international audience,” Hawks president and GM Danny Ferry said in a statement, as quoted by ESPN.
The NBA have already scheduled a pre-season game in the UK, which sees the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Philadelphia 76ers in Manchester.
However, the draw of a regular season game is likely to see fans flock in their numbers, with tickets set to go on sale in October.
COMMENTS