the NBA is set to make history in Paris as the San Antonio Spurs (19-22) and Indiana Pacers (24-19) prepare to face off in the 4th and 5th games of the regular season. This marks the first time the league will host two regular-season games in the French capital during the same season.
Thursday, January 23 (8:00 p.m. League Pass)
Saturday, January 25 (6:00 p.m., League Pass)
A Homecoming for Wembanyama: Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ cornerstone, is the focal point of these NBA paris Games. This will be his first NBA game in his homeland since his meteoric rise from Metropolitans 92 to becoming the Spurs’ top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and securing the Kia Rookie of the Year title.
NBA’s Rising Popularity in Europe: the 2025 NBA Paris Games arrive at a time when basketball’s popularity in France and across Europe is soaring. France leads all non-U.S.nations in producing NBA talent, with a record 14 players in the 2024-25 season. The back-to-back selection of French players as the number one draft picks—Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Zaccharie risacher in 2024—underscores this trend.
Paris’s recent hosting of the 2024 Olympics further amplified basketball’s global appeal, with thrilling gold medal clashes between the U.S. and France captivating fans worldwide.
Contrasting Fortunes: the Spurs and Pacers enter these games on divergent paths. The Pacers boast an remarkable 8-1 start to 2025, tying for the league’s best record, while the Spurs have struggled with a 2-6 record since January.Midway through the season, the Pacers hold fifth place in the Eastern Conference, while the Spurs languish in 12th in the West.
Pacers’ Dynamic Duo: Indiana’s resurgence is fueled by two-time All-Stars Pascal Siakam (20.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Tyrese Haliburton (17.9 ppg, 8.8 apg). After a rocky 10-15 start, the Pacers have regained their form, aiming to build on last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Haliburton, a member of the U.S.Olympic team, expressed his excitement about returning to Paris: “I’m thrilled to be back. Everyone knows we’re facing San Antonio, who have France’s pride on their team. We might not have much crowd support, but that’s part of the challenge.”
Spurs’ youth Movement: : With 19 wins in 41 games, the Spurs are on track to surpass last season’s total and secure their first playoff berth since 2019. Wembanyama, ranked fifth in the Kia MVP race, leads the team in points (24.4), rebounds (10.8), blocks (4.0),and three-pointers (3.2).
san Antonio’s top six scorers are all under 26, with veteran Chris Paul anchoring the offense as the team’s leading passer (8.2 apg).
NBA’s European Legacy: The 2025 NBA Paris Games will be the 96th and 97th NBA games held in Europe and the 14th and 15th in France,including preseason and regular-season matchups.
Here is the complete list of NBA regular-season games played in Paris:
Beyond the court, NBA players have embraced Parisian culture, often visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower—a tradition Wembanyama is eager to uphold.
Global Viewing Experience: Fans from 53 countries have secured tickets, setting a new record for an NBA event. For those unable to attend, Thursday’s game will air on NBA TV, while Saturday’s rematch will be broadcast on ESPN in the U.S.
Internationally, the games will be streamed live on beIN SPORTS, Canal+, and NBA League Pass, reaching audiences in over 200 countries and 50 languages across TV, digital platforms, and social media.
ng audiences worldwide.
– Eye on the Future: The Spurs aim to showcase their talent,with Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell poised to support Wembanyama.
– Haliburton’s Impact: A burgeoning superstar, Haliburton’s playmaking and scoring will be critical for the Pacers’ success.
– Rising Tide: Both teams are looking to make a statement as they build toward future championship contention.
, craft a short article analyzing the games and their significance for each team and the NBA as a whole. the NBA Paris Games are poised to be a landmark event, not only for the San antonio spurs and Indiana Pacers but also for the league’s growing global footprint. For the first time, the NBA will host two regular-season games in Paris during the same season, highlighting basketball’s soaring popularity in Europe and France’s emergence as a hotbed of NBA talent.
A Homecoming for Wembanyama
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ franchise cornerstone, as he returns to his homeland for his first NBA game in france.Since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2023 and earning the Kia Rookie of the Year title, Wembanyama has become a global sensation. His presence in Paris adds a layer of excitement, as French fans will witness firsthand the player who has already redefined the game with his unparalleled skill set. For the Spurs, these games are an opportunity to showcase their young core, including Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, as they continue their rebuild toward future contention.
Pacers’ Star Power
The Indiana Pacers, led by rising superstar Tyrese Haliburton, are equally eager to make a statement. Haliburton’s elite playmaking and scoring will be crucial as the Pacers look to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference. Alongside Buddy Hield, the Pacers bring a dynamic offence that will test the Spurs’ defense.These games also serve as a platform for the Pacers to prove they are a team on the rise, capable of competing at the highest level.
NBA’s Global Momentum
The 2025 NBA Paris Games come at a pivotal moment for the league’s international growth. France has become a cornerstone of the NBA’s global strategy, producing a record 14 players in the 2024-25 season. The back-to-back No. 1 draft picks of French players—Wembanyama in 2023 and Zaccharie Risacher in 2024—underscore the country’s influence on the league. Additionally, Paris’s recent hosting of the 2024 Olympics, wich featured thrilling basketball matchups, has only amplified the sport’s popularity in Europe.
What to Watch
- Star Power: the matchup between Haliburton, Hield, and Wembanyama promises high-level basketball and individual brilliance.
- Youth Movement: The Spurs’ young core,led by Wembanyama,will aim to demonstrate their potential as future contenders.
- Haliburton’s Rise: The Pacers’ success hinges on Haliburton’s ability to control the game and elevate his teammates.
- Global Stage: These games are a testament to the NBA’s commitment to expanding its reach and engaging fans worldwide.
As the Spurs and Pacers take the court in Paris, the games represent more than just a regular-season matchup. They are a party of basketball’s global growth, a showcase of rising talent, and a glimpse into the NBA’s future. For fans in France and around the world, this is a moment to witness history in the making.
