The first NBA international game was in Tokyo, Japan, in 1990. It was a two-game series between the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz.
Since then, 37 NBA regular-season games have been played overseas. In 2025-26, the league is continuing to expand globally. On Thursday, January 15, the league’s first regular-season game will be played in Berlin, Germany. The Magic and Grizzlies are set to face off. Orlando and Memphis will then travel to England and play in London on Sunday, January 18.
Memphis and Orlando have a two-game international series ahead
The NBA Berlin Game 2026 presented by Tissot is just one week away 🇩🇪
Don't miss Ja Morant and the Grizzlies take on Paolo Banchero and the Magic in the first-ever NBA regular season game in Berlin on Thursday, January 15 at 2:00pm/et on Prime! pic.twitter.com/bokgIYOAwV
— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2026
Starting Thursday, Janurary 15, the Magic and Grizzlies will meet for a two-game international series. The first game will be played at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. Both teams will then travel to London, England, to play at The O2 on Sunday, January 18. It’s the league’s first regular-season game in Berlin and 10th in London. The matchup on Thursday is exciting for several reasons. First, it’s a homecoming for Franz and Mo Wagner.
They both grew up in Berlin, Germany, and made their way to the NBA. Mo Wagner just recently made his 2025-26 debut for the Magic. He suffered a torn ACL against the Heat in December 2024. It took over a year for Mo Wagner to make his return. Just in time to play in front of his home country with the Magic. It’s unknown if Franz Wagner will be available. He’s missed 16 consecutive games due to a left high ankle sprain.
The Grizzlies have arrived in Berlin. 📍🇩🇪
(🎥: @NBA) pic.twitter.com/W4M9oPrV5g
— theScore (@theScore) January 12, 2026
Another storyline heading into this two-game international series is Desmond Bane. During the 2025 offseaosn, the Grizzlies traded Bane to the Magic. In return, Memphis received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four unprotected first-round picks. Thursday will be Bane’s first time facing his former squad since the trade. Expect Bane to play at a high level. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Grizzlies.
Memphis’ Ja Morant has been the headline of trade rumors. The Grizzlies have made it known they are willing to part ways with the all-star PG. He’s missed the last five games with a calf injury. Additionally, he’s played in just 18 games for the Grizzlies. His trade status will be talked about heavily in this two-game international series.
Two prime-time games will allow the broadcast to discuss Morant and the Grizzlies’ relationship. Tune into Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, Janurary 15 and Sunday, January 18 to watch the Magic and Grizzlies face off.
