The NBA have today confirmed that the regular season game between New York Knicks and Detoit Pistons will take place at the 02 Arena in London, England on Thursday, January 17 2013.
This will be the third regular season game staged in Europe, the previous two games between Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets were also held at the O2, which was the site for the latter stages of the 2012 London Olympics and it will also host the 2013 Euroleague Final Four.
Following NBA London Live 2013, the NBA will have played a total of 115 games internationally since 1988, including 16 regular season games in Japan, Mexico, and United Kingdom.
“London was the epicenter of global sports this summer, and the Olympics were a tremendous showcase for basketball,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Playing our third regular season game in the city in three years and having historic franchises like the Knicks and Pistons serve as our ambassadors provide extraordinary opportunities to further the game’s growth and development in the UK and throughout Europe.”
“The Pistons are excited to participate in the NBA London Live 2013,” said Dennis Mannion, President and CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons.
“Playing a regular-season game in London against the New York Knicks will provide a great experience for our players and we look forward to showcasing our brand of Hard, Smart and Together Detroit Basketball to fans on a global scale.”
“I am excited to show our great fans in London what New York basketball is about,” said New York Knicks Head Coach Mike Woodson.
“For Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler to return to the city where they helped Team USA win the Gold makes it even more special for our team.”
Tickets for this game are due to go on sale on October 30 from the O2 Arena’s website: www.theo2.co.uk
