The Miami Heat and Washington Wizards will meet Nov. 2 in a regular-season game in Mexico City, continuing the league’s international outreach.
It will be the league’s 33rd game in Mexico since 1992, the most in any nation outside the United States or Canada. The date coincides with annual Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) festivities, which will be marked by a specially themed basketball court and fan engagement initiatives.
The Heat will be making their third appearance in Mexico, the Wizards their fourth. Last November, the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks met in Mexico City.
“Bringing the Heat and the Wizards to Mexico City next season in conjunction with ‘Dia de los Muertos’ will mark another special milestone in the NBA’s long history in Mexico,” said Raul Zarraga, NBA Mexico senior vice president and managing director. “The game and surrounding events will serve as the ultimate celebration of the NBA for fans in Mexico and across Latin America at a time when the momentum around basketball in the region is at an all-time high.”
Earlier this week, commissioner Adam Silver said Mexico City likely would be under consideration for future league expansion.