Sport

Teams and fixture date confirmed for first-ever regular season NBA game in Manchester

Manchester and sporting firsts just makes sense.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 20th May 2026

In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in our history, and now the teams set to take part have finally been announced.

Having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions, this is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.

Last crossing the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game outside of the United States. Massive. Here’s who’s playing and when:

NBA Europe managed to secure a three-year programme of fixtures that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season in late 2025.

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As you can see, kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in Q1.

Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies had already been announced for the first two games last July, and now the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off for the Manc meeting.

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With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.

As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing bouts, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.

In addition to the matches themselves, the Spurs and Pelicans will also be holding various fan activities and events within the region as part of the NBA Cares social impact programming initiative, with a focus on health, wellness, sustainability and coaching, as well as both player and even referee development.

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Speaking on the seismic news last summer, the leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.

“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.

“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.

“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”

You can register your interest for tickets to see Spurs vs Pelicans in a proper competitive NBA regular season round right at the Co-op Live in Manchester, right HERE; remember, you can always spring for the discounted posh seats, as well.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (via Manchester City Council)

Sport

Manchester Storm have already set a new record before they’ve even returned ‘home’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Storm break season ticket sales record

Manchester Storm have already broken a record ahead of next season, and they’ve done it before they’ve even made it back to their original stadium.

Just goes to show that the ice hockey following here in Greater Manchester hasn’t gone anywhere.

Following the news that Manchester Storm will be returning to the city centre for the 2026/27 campaign, they’ve had a flood of interest from both new and old fans.

With that in mind, it didn’t take long for the native team to reveal that they have already set a new record for season ticket sales just a few weeks on from the announcement.

Sharing an update on social media, they write: “Manchester Storm supporters have delivered incredible demand for 2026/27 Season Tickets, with the club recording its highest-ever sales within the first week and the strongest total in its modern history.

“Thank you, Manchester, for your amazing support.”

Crediting ticketing partner StubHero for helping deliver “a smooth experience during this period of exceptional demand” for followers of the local outfit, they’re even set to give away the next milestone season ticket away completely FREE as part of the ‘homecoming’ celebrations.

Writing further in an official statement, they went on to add: “The move back to the AO Arena represents far more than just a change of venue or a return home…

“It marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the club, built around bigger crowds, bigger occasions, and an unforgettable gameday experience in one of the UK’s premier entertainment venues.

Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
What we know so far.

Speaking in an interview with internal media, CEO and owner Emma Finnerty said that they’re not just aiming to grow their reputation in Britain: “Our vision is to become the biggest club in Europe.

“When you think of Manchester, you think of Manchester United and Manchester City – and then hopefully we’ll come third after them.”

While the former ‘Storm Shelter’ stadium at Planet Ice Altrincham only held a maximum of 2,500 spectators, serving them more than faithfully over the past decade or so, the AO Arena can literally hold almost ten times that amount. Here’s hoping they get close to full week in and week out.

As hockey fandom continues to grow across the UK, it feels like a better time than ever for supporters to get involved with the sport – and, as ever, they’re keen to get people as involved as possible.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (via Manchester Storm)

Sport

Manchester United and Lionesses star Ella Toone is now officially an MBE

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ella Toone made and MBE for services to football

Man United Women and Lionesses star Ella Toone is now officially an MBE after collecting the award this week.

The Greater Mancunian has grown to become one of the most influential female players of the modern era, and now her impact has been immortalised by the monarchy.

One of several Manc figures to have been named on the annual Honours List, including the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, it was another great year for the region.

While multiple famous sporting faces featured on the most recent edition, Toone is one of the few to be named on behalf of association football.

Being recognised for services to the discipline on Tuesday, 19 May, the local athlete finally collected her accolade at Windsor Castle.

Presented to her by Prince William, the Tyldesley-born attacker said in a statement: “It’s been amazing. It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment to be here and be honoured with an MBE.

“I never thought when I started out playing football I’d now be called Ella Toone MBE, so it’s a bit crazy.”

Having suffered a tough time out with injury, the 26-year-old also insists she is now back feeling “better and stronger than ever.”

With Sarina Wiegman’s official squad selection for the qualifiers ahead of FIFA’s 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, she’s also looking forward to reuniting with her England teammates.

Here she is talking to Sky ahead of the games, not long after receiving the award:

Speaking back in December, she confessed that it’s all been “a bit mad” for her ever since she learned of the news, but her worthiness speaks for itself.

Winning not only back-to-back Euros titles with the national side, along with the first-ever UEFA Women’s Finalissima trophy in 2023, but also inspiring young kids dreaming of becoming footballers across the country and beyond.

Congratulations once again, ‘Tooney’ – beyond well-deserved.

Across the city, it’s great to see yet more groundbreaking investment in the women’s game being made for generations to come.

Manchester City reveal new state-of-the-art women’s football facility

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Featured Images — Manchester United/Ella Toone (via Instagram)/James Boyes (via Flickr)

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