The New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs will play to sold-out European arenas in 2027, with the NBA confirming on Tuesday that tickets for the Paris and Manchester games are gone. Approximately one million fans registered interest. This global spotlight comes as the Pelicans work to stabilize their form, having lost their last two games including a 132-126 result against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 13, 2026.
The Pelicans and Spurs will meet twice in January 2027 as part of the league's multiyear European schedule. Their first regular season game is set for January 14 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. Three days later, on January 17, the teams face off again at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. The NBA highlighted basketball's rapid growth across the continent, noting it's the fastest-growing sport there with over 270 million fans. A record 71 European players were on NBA opening-night rosters last season.
This international stage offers the Pelicans a huge opportunity to expand their global brand. Playing in front of passionate, sold-out European crowds can energize a roster and create memorable moments for players and fans alike. For a team currently handling a challenging period, it's a future highlight to build towards. Their recent form shows a 1-4 record in their last five outings (LLWLL), with losses to the Timberwolves and a 144-118 defeat by the Boston Celtics on April 10. Their last win was a high-scoring 156-137 victory over the Utah Jazz on April 8.
The team's immediate focus is on improving results before looking ahead to 2027. Their recent [fixtures](/fixtures) have been a tough run. After the win against Utah, they fell 112-108 to the Orlando Magic on April 5. Close losses to the Sacramento Kings (117-113 on April 4) and Portland Trail Blazers (118-106 on April 3) preceded that. Integrating key players and finding consistent defensive stops will be essential. The upcoming European games are a sign of the NBA's confidence in the Pelicans' marketability and their exciting core of talent.
Head coach Willie Green and his staff have work to do to tighten up the defense. The team must rediscover the offensive efficiency they showed against Utah while getting key stops. The sold-out games in Europe prove the Pelicans' stars are a major draw. Now, the challenge is translating that external excitement into consistent winning performances on the court.
