NBA to Make Manchester Regular-Season Debut at Co-op Live in 2027

The city is set to host first-ever regular-season NBA game – only second NBA appearance in Manchester history

Manchester, UK – 30 July 2025: The National Basketball Association (NBA), Co-op Live and Manchester City Council have today announced that the NBA will bring a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time ever in 2027 – marking a monumental moment for the city, the venue, and UK sport.

The 2027 game will be only the second time an NBA team has played in Manchester, and the first since 2013, firmly placing Manchester on the global basketball map. The game will be held at Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, with the exact date and participating teams to be announced prior to the 2026-27 NBA season.

As the home to Basketball England, headquartered on the Etihad Campus, Manchester boasts an ongoing affinity to the sport, from elite competition through grassroots development and community outreach. Recent investment includes the refurbishment of three major outdoor basketball courts, as well as being the home of the National Basketball Performance Centre, providing junior and senior leagues, wheelchair and SEN basketball, community drop-in sessions and more. Manchester’s own Magic and Mystics have called the city home since 2000, winning over 80 national titles, dominating junior competitions and producing elite talent.

As the newest venue on the NBA’s European slate, Co-op Live (owned and operated by Oak View Group) will provide the perfect stage for one of the world’s most exciting sporting events, offering fans in the North of England and beyond an unprecedented opportunity to experience NBA action at the highest level.

Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live said: “Working alongside the NBA and Manchester City Council to bring a sporting event of this magnitude to the city marks another incredible milestone for the North West, and in Co-op Live's exciting journey to date. We are delighted to host Manchester’s first-ever regular season game, in a venue purposefully designed to deliver an electrifying atmosphere and world-class fan experience. Bring on 2027."

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city. This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible. With a growing basketball scene in Manchester this event feels like the perfect fit and will

give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.

"When it comes to delivering world-class events we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents."

The announcement is the latest in a series of major global events confirmed for Manchester, seeing Oak View Group and City Football Group delivering on their combined vision to elevate Manchester as a world-class entertainment and sporting destination, working closely alongside Manchester City Council, The Manchester Accommodation BID and Marketing Manchester.

Marking its first year, Co-op Live has generated £1.3 billion in turnover and delivered a £785.5 million boost to the UK economy, with £313.4 million in GVA benefiting Manchester directly through visitor spend on local hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars.