NBA in Berlin: Magic and Grizzlies launch new European cycle

The NBA is taking a major step forward in Europe. This Wednesday, January 15th, the Magic and the Grizzlies face off at Berlin’s Uber Arena for an official regular season game, the first of its kind in Germany. This event opens a three-year cycle on the Old Continent, with London scheduled this week, followed by Manchester and Paris on the horizon for 2027 and 2028.

An official game, a strong signal for the NBA in Europe

For the North American league, this Berlin meeting marks a turning point. While NBA games had previously been held in Germany, never before had a regular season game taken place there. Berlin thus becomes a stronghold for the NBA’s European development, alongside other established destinations like London, Paris or Mexico.

As part of the 2025-2026 season, this game is among several international showcases, confirming the league’s determination to bring its product closer to the European audience, at a time when discussions around an NBA Europe are gaining momentum.

NBA HISTORY IN BERLIN: The Memphis Grizzlies meet the Orlando Magic in the NBA Berlin Game 2026 presented by Tissot today at 2pm/et on Prime, marking the league’s first regular-season game in Germany. Magic leading scorer Franz Wagner is set to return from a 16-game absence and… pic.twitter.com/ERKLOEnNFp

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2026

The Wagner brothers, central figures of the event

It’s hard to imagine a better context for this first official game in Germany. The Magic have three German internationals on their roster, including Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner, both Berlin natives and former Alba Berlin players. For them, playing an NBA game in their hometown is highly symbolic.

Returning after a long knee injury, Moritz Wagner is gradually getting back on the court, while Franz Wagner, absent in recent weeks, is announced fit for this highly anticipated matchup. Their presence gives the event a special resonance, both sportingly and emotionally, for the local audience.

Beyond the court, an authentic cultural immersion

The Magic’s visit to Berlin wasn’t limited to the game. In advance, several Orlando players shared a friendly moment around local culture, at the initiative of the Wagner brothers. An informal dinner, then a visit to Alba Berlin’s training center, where Franz and Moritz had lengthy exchanges with the club’s youth players who watched them grow up.

A powerful moment, far from any marketing operation, that illustrates the concrete impact of these relocated games: creating a link between the NBA, European players and local organizations, while offering young players a tangible projection toward the highest level.

A very real sporting challenge for Orlando and Memphis

While the event is historic, the sporting challenge remains central. Approaching mid-season, Orlando, well-positioned in the East, and Memphis, seeking consistency in the West, need wins. The matchup will also feature several All-Stars, including Paolo Banchero for the Magic, as well as Jaren Jackson Jr. for the Grizzlies. Ja Morant remains uncertain for Thursday’s game.

In front of a new audience, both franchises know that every success counts, as much for the standings as for the league’s international image.

Mic’d up in Berlin 🇩🇪

Listen in as head coach Tuomas Iisalo and Jaren Jackson Jr. lead Memphis through practice.

Watch the Grizzlies and Magic face off in the NBA Berlin Game 2026 presented by Tissot today at 2:00pm/et on Prime. pic.twitter.com/jrUlB6ie3n

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2026