The NBA has officially announced the highly anticipated matchup for the 2026 Mexico City Game, featuring the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers. This significant event will take place on November 7 at Arena CDMX, marking a milestone as the 35th NBA contest held in Mexico City since 1992, highlighting the league's strategic expansion into the Latin American market.
This particular game is generating considerable excitement, especially with the expected return of Pacers' star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, who was sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to a severe Achilles tendon injury sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, is anticipated to be in full form for this international showcase. The Pacers, having concluded the previous season with a challenging 19-63 record, the second-worst in the league, are also projected to secure a high draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, adding another layer of intrigue to their future roster.
On the opposing side, the Denver Nuggets, a dominant force in the Western Conference, will bring their star power to Mexico City, led by the three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. Jokić's impressive track record, including averaging a triple-double in the most recent season, ensures a formidable challenge for the Pacers. This will be the Nuggets' second appearance in Mexico, while the Pacers will be making their inaugural journey to play in the country.
Continuing a recent tradition, the 2026 Mexico City Game will coincide with Mexico's vibrant Día de los Muertos festivities. To honor this rich cultural celebration, the game will be played on a specially designed, themed court, promising a unique and immersive experience for attendees and viewers worldwide. This initiative underscores the NBA's commitment to integrating local culture into its international events.
The NBA's expansion efforts in Latin America have firmly established Mexico as a key market. Excluding the United States and Canada, Mexico has hosted more NBA games than any other country since the league's first foray into the nation in 1992. That inaugural game, a preseason encounter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets on October 27, laid the groundwork for a enduring relationship that will reach its 34th year with the Nuggets-Pacers matchup.
Raul Zarraga, Senior Vice President and Head of Operations for NBA Latin America and Canada, emphasized the importance of this ongoing engagement. In a statement, Zarraga highlighted that the NBA Mexico City Game consistently offers fans in Mexico a direct connection to the league, its teams, and its athletes. He noted that hosting the 35th game in the country is a testament to the deep-rooted relationship between the NBA and Mexico, and the pivotal role these events play in bringing basketball to a global audience, both locally and across Latin America.
The formal announcement of the game, made in collaboration with Zignia Live, a prominent live event promoter, was held on Thursday, April 16. In line with the NBA's customary practice for its international games, a series of community engagement programs and activities will be rolled out in Mexico City, fostering interaction with the local community. The 2026 Mexico City Game is slated to be broadcast on ESPN, ensuring broad accessibility for fans globally.
