Philadelphia 76ers Selected for NBA London Game 2018

This morning the NBA and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) announced that the NBA London Game 2018 will feature the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics playing a regular-season game at The O2 on Thursday, January 11, 2018. London is one of the great cities in the world and somewhat a second home for us. 

The NBA is the world’s most global sports property, and the Philadelphia 76ers have always had a dynamic, international fanbase thanks to our remarkable on-court legacy of stars. Of the announcement, Philadelphia 76ers Co-Managing General Partner David Blitzer, who spent 10 years living in London noted “the game in London provides fans a unique, special opportunity to see some of the most talented and elite athletes in the world compete at an iconic international venue like The O2 Arena.” Fans across the world have grown to love the game as basketball cheering for Wilt, “Doctor J”, “Sir Charles” and, certainly, Allen Iverson. We look forward to introducing the world to the 76ers next generation of transformational stars.

This game is an incredible opportunity as well to reconnect with another iconic international brand in our family - Crystal Palace, of the English Premier League (EPL) team with a storied 110-year franchise history and an innovative team of front office executives we are proud to call friends London is also home to Michael “ODEE” O’Dell, President and Founder of our organization’s renowned esports franchise, Team Dignitas; another international sports property with a passionate fan base that enjoys engagement unparalleled in professional sports today. With the support of our international fans and our family of dynamic sports and entertainment brands awaiting our arrival, we anticipate a very welcoming experience.

Philadelphia Inquirer | Keith Pompey | August 10, 2017

The 76ers’ regular-season matchup against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 11 in London has been finalized.

The Atlantic Division rivals will square off in NBA London Game 2018 at the O2 arena. A league source confirmed to philly.com in July that the game was in the works. The game was officially announced Thursday.

Tickets will go on sale for the matchup in October. The contest is designated as a home game for the Sixers. As a result, the team will play for 40 games at the Wells Fargo Center this season instead of the normal 41.

However, the Sixers are prepared to accommodate their season-ticket holders for losing a home game. Those with automatic-payment plans will not be charged for the game. Season-ticket holders who have paid in full can request to get a game’s ticket price back. They can also roll over the refund for future game purchases, playoff tickets or use it to go toward the following season’s tickets.

“I look forward to coming back to London with the Sixers after visiting for the first time this summer,” Joel Embiid said in a statement. “We are a young, hungry team and will be sure to give the fans an exciting game against Boston in January.”

Embiid traveled to England in June to be on hand for a celebrity exhibition soccer match in Wales.

The last time the Sixers went overseas was during the 2013-14 preseason. They played Bilbao Basket in Bilbao, Spain, on Oct. 6, 2013. Two days later, they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in Manchester, England.

The Sixers, who finished 28-54 last season, have a lot of buzz surrounding the team. They drafted Markelle Fultz with the first overall pick in the draft in June. They also signed free agents J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson. Ben Simmons, the first overall pick in 2016, is also expected to make his debut. He missed the entire 2016-17 season after surgery to repair a broken right foot.

The Celtics finished last season with the Eastern Conference’s best record at 53-29. They advanced to the conference finals, losing in five games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This matchup will mark the NBA’s eighth regular-season game in London.

“I am delighted the NBA continues to bring the world’s best basketball to our great city in what has now become a well-established and eagerly anticipated event on London’s sporting calendar,” said Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor. “I know Londoners will be thrilled to see the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics up close at our world-famous O2.”

The Sixers open training camp, tentatively, on Sept. 26 at their practice facility in Camden.