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 said before Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday night. “I haven’t got to that one quite yet, but (we’re) always looking forward to expanding the game and being part of the cool process of being able to play outside the country.”
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 said.
“Oh, man, I love Paris,” forward Julian Champagnie said 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 think we’re up for it.”
The NBA has plans to team with FIBA to establish a new basketball league in Europe that could begin play in 2027 or 2028 in various cities, including Manchester.