TORONTO, Aug. 3, 2023 — The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that the ninth NBA Canada Series presented by Bell will feature two preseason games in Vancouver and Montréal in October 2023.
On Sunday, Oct. 8, two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, 2021-22 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors will take on the 2022-23 NBA Pacific Division champion Sacramento Kings at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The Kings feature three-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis, 2023 NBA All-Star De'Aaron Fox and Canadian Trey Lyles, and are coached by unanimous 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown.
On Thursday, Oct. 12, Canadians Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort — a native of Montréal — and the Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Detroit Pistons at the Bell Centre in Montréal. The Pistons feature 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team member Cade Cunningham, 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Rookie Second Team member Jaden Ivey and 2023 No. 5 overall draft pick Ausar Thompson.
Tickets for The NBA Canada Series presented by Bell will go on sale at a later date. Fans can register their interest for exclusive presale ticket access by visiting NBA.com/CanadaSeries. NBA Experiences ticket packages offering premium access to the game in Montréal and other events will be available for purchase here. In addition to presenting partner Bell, supporting partners of The NBA Canada Series 2023 include Hennessy, Labatt, Subway and Tangerine.
In total, 15 NBA teams have participated in 16 preseason games across six cities as part of The NBA Canada Series presented by Bell, drawing a total attendance of more than a quarter of a million.
For more information, fans in Canada can download the NBA App and follow the NBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. A full range of official NBA and WNBA merchandise is available at the NBA Store in Canada by visiting NBAStore.ca.
Executive and player quotes on NBA Canada Series
NBA Canada Senior Vice President and Managing Director Leah MacNab
"We're extremely excited about this year's NBA Canada Series presented by Bell, which comes at a time when basketball popularity and the level of talent coming from Canada are at an all-time high.
"Through these two games and the surrounding events, the passionate NBA fans in Vancouver and Montréal will have the opportunity to see some of the best up-and-coming players in the league and several hometown heroes, which will inspire the next generation of fans and players across the country."
Bell VP Brand & Sponsorship David Kennedy
"We're thrilled to sponsor the ninth NBA Canada Series and bring the live NBA experience to fans in Montréal and Vancouver. For over a decade we've been partners of both the Toronto Raptors and the league, and are strong supporters of basketball and events like this that bring communities together and inspire the next generation of players."
Toronto Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster
"The Raptors have a deep connection with Canada's west coast — our preseason games there have been a great way for our team to begin our season. We're looking forward to seeing Vancouver's basketball fans at Rogers Arena in October, and to starting another exciting NBA season there."
Sacramento Kings General Manager Monte McNair
"We're excited to be part of the NBA Canada Series this year. This is a special opportunity for our players and staff, and we look forward to great competition and experiencing Vancouver."
Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Luguentz Dort
"After growing up and learning to play the game of basketball in Montréal, it will be a special experience to play a preseason game in my hometown. Canada and Montréal are home to some of the best basketball fans in the world, and I'm looking forward to taking the floor at Bell Centre."
Detroit Pistons General Manager Troy Weaver
"The Detroit Pistons organization is excited to be part of the NBA's Canada Series during the upcoming preseason and play in a great city like Montréal. This will be a nice experience for our players and coaches, and we look forward to showcasing Detroit Basketball to a Canadian fanbase that is already so passionate and familiar with the NBA."
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.
NBA rosters at the start of the 2022-23 season featured 120 international players from 41 countries. NBA Digital's assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team and player platforms.
NBA Cares, the NBA's global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.
