Toronto Raptors

Magic to play Raptors in regular-season game in London

Published Jul. 23, 2015 3:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

Do you know the NBA's favourite city in which to play regular-season games internationally?

I'll give you a hint: The hint is that I've already given you a hint. Yes, if you noticed the "ou" in "favorite," you'd realize I was talking about...well, Canada because the Raptors exist. But what I really meant was London.

Now, it appears the Magic and the ou-loving Raptors will be playing in a regular-season game at O2 Arena next year.

From the Vancouver Sun:

It'll be interesting to check the Orlando schedule after and before heading to London. If it's tough, that could be a rough stretch for the Magic given the time-difference recovery.

(h/t Vancouver Sun.)

Photo Credit: Raj Mehta

The NBA says the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors will play a regular-season game in London on Jan. 14.

It will be the sixth league game played at the O2 Arena in the British capital. Before 2011, games in London were only exhibitions.

The trip will mark the Raptors' third European trip in team history. Toronto played back-to-back games versus the New Jersey Nets at The O2 in March, 2011 — the first time NBA regular-season games were held in Europe.

"On behalf of the Raptors organization, we are proud to return to London for NBA Global Games 2016," said Raptors President and general manager Masai Ujiri. "We had a tremendous experience in London in 2011 and look forward to reconnecting with the fans and community.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue in the NBA's mission to make an impact globally."