As the NBA continues to explore basketball opportunities outside of the United States, Commissioner Adam Silver and Co. have extended their relationship with our neighbors to the south.
According to a press release, the NBA has scheduled two regular season games in Mexico City for the 2018-19 campaign.
The NBA—which has aggressively established a foothold in the Mexican market—announces Mexico City games for next season. pic.twitter.com/uKa4qexSif
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) August 7, 2018
The first one will pit the Orlando Magic against the Chicago Bulls on December 13. Then, two days later, Orlando will host the Utah Jazz at Arena Ciudad de Mexico.
It’s an interesting slate of games, especially given that both the Bulls and Magic are expected to be among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference.
One has to wonder why the Association isn’t sending the best of the best down south. Why not pit the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James against the two-time defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors?
Either way, it’s becoming clear that the Association is looking to expand its brand internationally. The Africa games and other contests in Europe are prime recent examples of that. We can now include a more extensive relationship with Mexico.