Manchester’s Co-op Live set to host historic NBA fixture next year

Manchester’s Co-op Live is set to make history by hosting the city’s first-ever regular-season NBA game.

The 2027 fixture will see the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs face off on Sun 17 Jan 2027, marking the first-ever NBA regular-season game to take place in the city.

The Manchester fixture forms part of the NBA’s European slate alongside a Paris game at Accor Arena on Thu 14 Jan 2027. The game will also mark the NBA’s return to Manchester for the first time since 2013, but notably, this is the city’s first regular-season NBA game.

The Spurs currently feature global superstar Victor Wembanyama, alongside De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, while the Pelicans roster includes Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray.

“Playing games in Paris and Manchester reflects the strong momentum we’re seeing for basketball and the NBA in France, the UK and across Europe,” said NBA Managing Director, Europe and  Middle East, George Aivazoglou. “As interest in the game continues to grow across the continent,  we look forward to working with the Pelicans, the Spurs and our partners to deliver unique  experiences for fans, aspiring players and the local communities.” 

“Participating in these games in Paris and Manchester is an incredible opportunity for our organisation to proudly represent both the Pelicans franchise and the City of New Orleans on an international stage,” said Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe  Dumars.

“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. 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.” 

In addition to the game itself, the NBA, Spurs and Pelicans will deliver a programme of fan activations, youth basketball clinics, community outreach and NBA Cares initiatives across Manchester.

Ticket sales and additional information about the games and surrounding events will be announced at  a later date