NBA Makes History with First Regular Season Game in Germany
Berlin, 15 January 2026
The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic played the NBA’s inaugural regular season game in Germany at Berlin’s Uber Arena on 15 January 2026. This historic matchup marked the 14th NBA game on German soil since 1984, but the first to count towards league standings. The game held special significance for Orlando’s German players Franz and Moritz Wagner, who returned to their hometown of Berlin to compete professionally where they once watched games as children.
Betting Lines and Team Form Heading into Historic Encounter
DraftKings Sportsbook established Orlando as a 5.5-point favourite for the historic Berlin encounter, with an over/under total set at 228.5 points and a money line of -218 for the Magic [1]. The betting lines reflected the contrasting fortunes of the two franchises entering the game, with Orlando carrying a 22-18 record and sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, whilst Memphis struggled at 17-22, occupying tenth position in the Western Conference [2]. The Grizzlies arrived in Berlin following a morale-boosting 103-98 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on 12 January, though they had managed just a 2-6 record in their previous eight games [2][3]. Orlando, meanwhile, entered the contest buoyed by a commanding 128-118 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans, also secured on 12 January [1][2].
Key Player Storylines and Injury Concerns
The game’s narrative centred significantly around the return of Franz Wagner, who was cleared to play on 14 January after missing 16 games due to a high left ankle sprain sustained on 7 December 2025 [3][4]. The German forward’s return proved particularly poignant, as he expressed the emotional significance of the moment: ‘I’ll get back as soon as I can. Hopefully that’ll be in Berlin… Regardless of whether I play or not, it’s going to be a true full-circle moment for Moe and I, growing up and going as little kids to that gym to watch the pros play. Playing an NBA game there is pretty special for us, and we’re going to appreciate the opportunity’ [3]. Wagner leads the Magic in scoring with 22.7 points per game [2][6], making his availability crucial for Orlando’s chances. However, both teams faced significant absences, with Memphis missing star point guard Ja Morant due to a calf contusion, whilst Orlando was without Jalen Suggs due to a knee injury [1][3].
German Connection and Cultural Significance
The game held profound personal meaning for Orlando’s German contingent, with three national team members - Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner, and Tristan da Silva - representing their homeland on the NBA stage [6]. The Wagner brothers had previously helped Germany capture the 2023 FIBA World Cup, whilst Franz and da Silva contributed to Germany’s EuroBasket 2025 victory [4]. Da Silva, who met with Bavarian fans who travelled to watch the game, embodied the cultural bridge the event represented [5]. The significance extended beyond individual players, with Franz Wagner noting: ‘I think the great thing about sport is that it connects a lot of people. We can connect people through basketball. That’s always something beautiful’ [4]. The event featured German rapper Luciano as the halftime performer, further emphasising the local cultural integration [6].
Historical Context and Future European Expansion
The Berlin game represented the culmination of a long NBA presence in Germany, marking the 14th game featuring an NBA team in the country since 1984, though the first with regular-season implications [3][4]. Previous German encounters included exhibition matches dating back to 1984 and three preseason games: the Indiana Pacers defeating the Seattle SuperSonics 98-95 in Berlin on 18 October 1996, the Philadelphia 76ers beating the Phoenix Suns 103-100 in Cologne on 10 October 2006, and the New Orleans Hornets conquering the Washington Wizards 96-80 in Berlin on 14 October 2008 [3]. The league’s European ambitions extend well beyond this historic encounter, with regular-season games scheduled for London later in 2026, followed by matches in Manchester and Paris in 2027, and returning to Berlin and Paris in 2028 [3][6]. Most significantly, October 2027 has emerged as a ‘realistic target’ for launching a full European NBA league, according to FIBA’s secretary general, with Berlin and Munich mentioned as potential charter members [6]. The teams were scheduled to continue their European adventure with a second overseas matchup at The O2 in London on 19 January 2026 [5][6].