The NBA announced the 2025 NBA Paris Games will feature the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs, slated for January 23 and January 25, 2025. This marks the first time in the history of hosting international NBA games that the Indiana Pacers will travel to Paris, France, making the two-game series the first of its kind in the land of the Eiffel Tower.
The most recent NBA Paris Game was a one-game contest featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 11. More than 15,000 fans gathered at Accor Arena to watch the Cavaliers defeat the Nets 111-102.
President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers Kevin Pritchard believes the 2025 NBA Paris Games will have a generational impact on fans on a global scale.
“The Pacers enjoy tremendous support from fans globally, and we are excited about the opportunity to be a part of the NBA’s efforts to continue bringing the game to new generations of fans all around the world,” Pritchard said.
Although the Spurs have played in Paris multiple times, their most recent game in France happened in 2006. It is also worth noting the Spurs drafted France countryman Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Pacers faced the Spurs (on American soil) this season twice, splitting the series 1-1, including a 152-111 win on Nov. 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton notched 23 points and eight assists. Wembanyama, poised to win 2024 Rookie of The Year, tallied up 13 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
Spurs CEO R.C. Buford is thankful for the team’s return to Paris.
“Playing in Paris has been an incredible experience for our organization in the past and we are thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of The NBA Paris Games 2025,” Buford said in a statement. “Thanks to our deep international history, we are fortunate to have Spurs fans in France, across Europe and around the world. We are excited to continue to honor that legacy by purposefully connecting and engaging with our fans in France on and off the court.”
Deputy Commissioner of the National Basketball Association Mark Tatum hinted at the impact a ‘Haliburton versus Wembanyama’ series can have on international fans.
“The return of the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama to Paris to face Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers will be a landmark moment for the growth of basketball in Europe,” Tatum said.
Those interested in getting tickets for the 2025 NBA Paris Games can find out more information at nbaexperiences.com/nba-paris-game-2025.
Contact multi-media & sports reporter Noral Parham at (317)-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. For more Indiana Pacers news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
