The NBA is set to make its first international appearance of the 2025-26 regular season with an exciting matchup in Mexico City, featuring two recent No. 1 draft picks. Cooper Flagg leads the 2-3 Dallas Mavericks into this highly anticipated game against the 3-2 Detroit Pistons, who are guided by their star player, Cade Cunningham. Flagg has been impressive, recently achieving his second double-double, showcasing the talent that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Cunningham had a remarkable performance in his last outing, scoring 30 points and delivering 10 assists.
This Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Peacock and NBC Universo, with a scheduled tip-off at 10 p.m. ET from Arena CDMX. The game marks an ongoing commitment by the NBA to the Mexican market, with this being the 34th overall game and the 15th regular-season match played in Mexico, surpassing any nation outside the U.S. and Canada. The league’s vice president for Mexico, Raul Zarraga, emphasized the growing momentum for basketball in Mexico, highlighting the significance of such events to expand the sport’s reach.
Historically, the Mavericks have been a consistent presence in Mexico City, having participated in the inaugural regular-season game there in 1997. Events like last year’s game, where the Miami Heat triumphed over the Washington Wizards, and the thrilling encounter where Trae Young lifted the Atlanta Hawks to victory against the Orlando Magic reflect the excitement surrounding NBA games in this vibrant city. This year, the court will be uniquely designed to honor the Día de Muertos celebration occurring over the weekend.
NBC is also introducing a new media rights arrangement, broadcasting 100 games throughout the season. The Mavericks-Pistons matchup will feature notable commentators, including Hall of Famer Grant Hill providing analysis, with a pregame show hosted by former players Robbie Hummel and Austin Rivers.
The Pistons enter the contest with seven players averaging double-digit points. Cunningham leads his team with an average of 22.2 points per game, even as he works on improving his shooting efficiency. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are at a pivotal point after trading away superstar Luka Dončić and are looking to build around young talents like Flagg and center Dereck Lively II.
Following this game, the NBA plans to further showcase its global brand with two additional international matches in January, featuring teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic in Germany and the U.K.
These efforts not only strengthen the NBA’s global presence but also provide fans in Mexico and beyond with exciting basketball action, fostering a love for the game in diverse communities.