London Lions to become first British club to face an NBA team
Historic preseason showdown in Portland
The London Lions will make history when they travel to Portland on October 12 to play the Trail Blazers in a preseason game — the first time a British club has faced an NBA team. It’s a landmark moment for basketball in the United Kingdom and another sign that the sport is growing beyond its traditional markets.
The Lions arrive here off a dominant domestic season, having collected every available trophy in the Super League. They’re also gearing up for another European campaign, with plans to compete in the EuroCup for the 2026/27 season.
Why this matters for the club and for British basketball
London’s general manager, Martynas Purlys, said the invitation is a clear acknowledgement of the club’s development and ambitions, and he sees the game as an important milestone for basketball across Britain.
The match has special meaning for head coach Tautvydas Sabonis, whose father, Arvydas Sabonis, was a key figure for Portland during his NBA career in the 1990s and early 2000s. For Tautvydas, playing in Portland will be both personal and memorable, and he believes the experience will be a useful measuring stick for his players ahead of the new season.
The Lions’ rise to this moment followed a rocky period after their previous ownership structure collapsed at the end of the 2023/24 season. A takeover by Tesonet, a Lithuanian technology company, stabilized the club and allowed it to continue competing at the top level of British basketball.
Facing an NBA roster will be a tough test on the court and a huge opportunity off it — a chance to showcase British talent, build the club’s profile internationally, and give fans a rare, high-profile matchup to celebrate.
