February 16, 2025
In a landmark decision set to reshape the future of basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially announced the inclusion of regular-season games in Asia and Africa, beginning in the 2025-2026 season. This unprecedented expansion marks a bold new chapter in the NBA’s strategy to build its global presence and engage with its growing international fan base. On February 16, 2025, the league revealed that games will be held in key cities across both continents, with the goal of bringing the excitement of the NBA directly to fans in regions where basketball is experiencing rapid growth.
The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who highlighted the league’s commitment to fostering the global growth of the sport. The initiative will see select NBA teams traveling to major cities in China, Japan, India, Nigeria, and South Africa to compete in regular-season matchups, offering fans a firsthand experience of the elite basketball talent that defines the NBA.
“We’ve always viewed the NBA as a global brand, but this is the next step in truly connecting with our international fanbase,” said Silver. “By bringing regular-season games to cities in Asia and Africa, we are not only expanding the reach of the NBA but also helping to nurture the growth of basketball at the grassroots level in these regions. These games will allow us to showcase the world’s best players on a stage that has never before been seen in these parts of the world.”
The first official game will take place in Tokyo, Japan, in late 2025, with additional games scheduled for cities like Lagos, Nigeria, and Cape Town, South Africa, in early 2026. The NBA has already begun working with local governments and sports organizations in these countries to prepare for the series of games, including building state-of-the-art facilities and enhancing logistical operations to support the influx of teams, media, and fans.
The games will feature full teams competing for official NBA standings, meaning that they will count toward the regular season and playoff races. The league also plans to introduce a comprehensive fan engagement program, with opportunities for local youth teams to participate in skills camps, coaching clinics, and community events led by NBA players and coaches. These events will help inspire future generations of basketball players and strengthen the connection between the NBA and the local communities.
This historic move follows several years of successful international events hosted by the NBA, including the popular NBA Global Games, which featured preseason games in various international cities. However, the addition of official regular-season games marks a new level of commitment to international expansion, with the NBA looking to establish a lasting presence in Asia and Africa. Both regions have seen significant growth in basketball participation and viewership in recent years, particularly among younger audiences.
For many, this expansion is seen as a direct response to the success of the NBA’s international stars, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Joel Embiid, whose rise to prominence has garnered substantial attention in their home countries and around the world. The NBA’s increased presence in Asia and Africa is also viewed as a strategic move to capitalize on the burgeoning sports markets in both continents, where basketball’s popularity is growing exponentially.
“Basketball is thriving in both Asia and Africa, and this move will only elevate the sport to new heights,” said former NBA star and current global ambassador, Yao Ming. “The opportunity to see top-level NBA talent live in their hometowns will inspire millions of young athletes and solidify basketball’s place as a truly global sport.”
While the logistical challenges of hosting international regular-season games remain significant, with travel and time-zone adjustments at the forefront, the NBA’s confidence in the long-term impact of this decision is clear. By fostering deeper connections with international fans and investing in local basketball infrastructures, the league is positioning itself for future growth in two of the world’s most populous and basketball-enthusiastic regions.
With these groundbreaking international games set to take place in 2025 and beyond, the NBA is ushering in a new era of global basketball, one where players, fans, and communities from across the globe can share in the excitement of the sport at its highest level. The NBA’s move to bring regular-season games to Asia and Africa is set to change the global sports landscape forever.
