NBA Global Games Europe 2016
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Euroleague Basketball they have announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder will play two preseason games in October against Euroleague Basketball teams Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Lassa, as part of NBA Global Games Europe 2016 presented by BBVA.
The Thunder will tip off against nine-time Euroleague Champion and 33-time Spanish League Champion Real Madrid on Oct. 3 at the Barclaycard Center, before travelling to Barcelona to face 18-time Spanish League Champion and two-time Euroleague Champion FC Barcelona Lassa on Oct. 5 at the Palau Sant Jordi.
Tickets for both games go on sale July 4 atwww.ticketmaster.es with the games to be aired live in Spain on Movistar+.
The Thunder, who in 2016 made their fourth Western Conference Finals appearance in the last six years, previously played a pair of European preseason games in 2013 against the Philadelphia 76ers in Manchester, England and against Fenerbahçe Ulker in Istanbul, Turkey.
Real Madrid, led by Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull and Felipe Reyes, most recently hosted the Boston Celtics in 2015. FC Barcelona Lassa, who currently features Alex Abrines, Juan Carlos Navarro and Ante Tomic, last played against an NBA team in 2012 when they faced the Dallas Mavericks in Barcelona.
NBA Global Games Europe 2016 will feature a variety of interactive fan activities and NBA Cares community events that will bring the NBA experience to fans across both cities.
In March, the NBA announced that the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans will play preseason games in Shanghai and Beijing on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12, respectively, as part of NBA Global Games 2016.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver:
“Coming off one of the most exciting Western Conference Finals in recent memory, the Oklahoma City Thunder is an ideal team to bring the excitement and passion of the NBA directly to our European fans. The Thunder’s matchups against two heavyweights of European basketball will show off the best of our game while also providing a focal point for a wide range of grassroots basketball activities in Madrid and Barcelona.”
Euroleague Basketball President and CEO Jordi Bertomeu:
“It is a great pleasure to welcome an NBA team to Europe again. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Lassa, two of our most important franchises, and the Oklahoma City Thunder will certainly offer a great show, bringing the best basketball possible from both continents closer to fans.”
NBA EMEA Senior Vice President and Managing Director Benjamin Morel:
“NBA Global Games Europe 2016 continues the league’s tradition of bringing our teams to Europe for what is a truly authentic NBA experience. Thanks to our longstanding collaboration with Euroleague Basketball and with the support of BBVA and our family of partners, we look forward to hosting two great games while also making an impact in the local community.”
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti:
“As the Thunder continues to build its legacy in sport, these games against FC Barcelona Lassa and Real Madrid give us an opportunity to compete against two clubs rich in tradition, and I’m looking forward to our players, coaches and staff experiencing these contests. We see it as an honor for our organization to play in exhibition games like these that help expand the game of basketball.”
Real Madrid Guard Sergio Llull:
“It is great that we will be playing another NBA team this year following our exciting game against the Boston Celtics last year. I can’t wait to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
