What is it like to experience the NBA first-hand? Thanks to Foot Locker we've been in London for Grizzlies vs Magic

You never truly get used to the NBA. Its allure. Its spectacle. Its athleticism. Its competitive edge. While this sensation is easily conveyed through highlights, reels, and TikToks, it is only by witnessing a game live that one can fully grasp why it is regarded as the coolest league in the world. The atmosphere goes far beyond that of a mere sporting event.

Atmosphere, entertainment, and courtside celebrities

Every single moment becomes a statement of excellence. Take the warm-up, for instance: where else would players prepare themselves under the watchful eyes of celebrities like Thierry Henry and Virgil Van Dijk, casually chatting courtside before settling into their front-row seats? And where, if not here, would athletes line up simply to exchange jerseys with a player of Ja Morant’s stature?

Ja Morant vs Paolo Banchero

Of course, the NBA is first and foremost about basketball, and the matchup held at the O2 Arena in London between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies proved to be a genuine battle, far removed from the idea of a friendly exhibition staged overseas. In front of 18,424 spectators, the Grizzlies took control of the game behind a masterful performance from Ja Morant (24 points and 13 assists). Even so, the Magic clawed their way back in the closing stages, driven by the inspired play of Paolo Banchero, who narrowly missed a triple-double with 16 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

Foot Locker connecting the NBA with fans across the globe

A spectacle in every sense, the NBA transcends the boundaries of the game to establish itself as a global cultural phenomenon. A universe that also includes Foot Locker, a key and official partner of the league. The brand’s commitment extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, actively working to build a strong and dynamic bridge between the world’s most iconic professional basketball league and the millions of fans who follow it across every corner of the globe.