The National Basketball Association (NBA), Co-op Live, Manchester City Council, and Manchester Accommodation BID have today announced that the NBA will bring a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time ever in 2027.
The 2027 game will be only the second time an NBA team has played in Manchester, and the first since 2013; firmly placing Manchester on the global basketball map. The game will be held at Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, with the exact date and participating teams to be announced prior to the 2026-27 NBA season.
As the home to Basketball England, headquartered on the Etihad Campus, Manchester boasts an ongoing affinity to the sport, from elite competition through grassroots development and community outreach. Recent investment includes the refurbishment of three major outdoor basketball courts, as well as being the home of the National Basketball Performance Centre, providing junior and senior leagues, wheelchair and SEN basketball, community drop-in sessions and more. Manchester’s own Magic and Mystics have called the city home since 2000, winning over 80 national titles, dominating junior competitions and producing elite talent.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “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. 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.”
The announcement is the latest in a series of major global events confirmed for Manchester thanks to a strong partnership approach between host venues, Manchester City Council, Manchester Accommodation BID, and Marketing Manchester.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the NBA returning to Manchester, and the Manchester Accommodation BID has played a vital role in making this a reality. Our remit is to drive visitor numbers and secure large-scale events that benefit the accommodation sector and wider visitor economy. The return of a global event like the NBA’s is a perfect example of the significant impact the City Visitor Charge, and the collective efforts of our partners, can achieve. The NBA’s will undoubtedly bring a substantial boost to hotels and serviced apartments across the city, showcasing Manchester’s world-class hospitality and demonstrating our capacity to host major international sporting events.”
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, added: “The return of the NBA to Manchester is fantastic news for the city-region’s economy. As the organisation responsible for promoting Greater Manchester internationally, we know the immense value that global sporting events like this bring. The NBA isn’t just a game; it’s a worldwide show that will put Manchester firmly on the international stage, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing culture, world-class hospitality, and incredible sporting infrastructure. This will provide a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail businesses, demonstrating once again Manchester’s undeniable appeal as a premier destination for major international events.”
As the newest venue on the NBA’s European slate, Co-op Live (owned and operated by Oak View Group) will provide the perfect stage for one of the world’s most exciting sporting events, offering fans in the north of England and beyond an unprecedented opportunity to experience NBA action at the highest level.
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live said: “Working alongside the NBA and Manchester City Council to bring a sporting event of this magnitude to the city marks another incredible milestone for the North West, and in Co-op Live’s exciting journey to date. We are delighted to host Manchester’s first-ever regular season game, in a venue purposefully designed to deliver an electrifying atmosphere and world-class fan experience. Bring on 2027.”
ENDS