The NBA schedule is due out any day now, and we have yet our latest (expected) big game announcement.

Press release from the league:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) announced today that the NBA London Game 2018 will feature the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics playing a regular-season game at The O2 on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Tickets for the game will go on sale in October 2017.  Fans can register their interest for tickets to the NBA London Game 2018 and gain access to bespoke content, presale information and more by visiting NBA.com/London.

The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK, by the NBA’s broadcast partners across EMEA and on NBA LEAGUE PASS International.

The game will also be broadcast locally on CSN and 97.5 The Fanatic.

Will this be a Sixers home game?

Yes.

What about season ticket holders?

Season ticket holders who have already paid will have the option of being refunded for the game or rolling over the payment toward future games. Those on a payment plan who have not yet paid will not be charged for it and will see the charge dropped from their bill in January.

Will there be a Crystal Palace tie-in?

You bet! Joshua Harris:

“The sport of basketball continues to show remarkable growth internationally and we’re excited to travel to London to play in front of the great fans there on Jan. 11. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our dynamic team filled with exciting international players to a fan base that has a clear passion for world-class sporting events. It’s especially exciting to have the Sixers face off against the Boston Celtics on Thursday, to be followed by Crystal Palace’s Saturday match-up against Burney nearby in South London.”

Global growth?

Scott O’Neil:

“The NBA is the world’s most global sports property, and the Philadelphia 76ers have always had a dynamic, international fanbase thanks to our remarkable on-court legacy. Fans across the world have grown to love the game as basketball cheering for Wilt, ‘Doctor J’, ‘Sir Charles’ and, certainly, Allen Iverson. We look forward to introducing the world to the 76ers next generation of transformational stars. This game is an incredible opportunity as well to reconnect with another iconic international brand in our ownership’s portfolio – Crystal Palace, the Premier League team with a storied 110-year franchise history and an innovative team of front office executives we are proud to call family. Coincidentally, London is also home to Michael “ODEE” O’Dell, President and Founder of our organization’s renowned esports franchise, Team Dignitas; another international sports property with a passionate fan base that enjoys engagement unparalleled in professional sports today. With the support of our international fans and our family of dynamic sports and entertainment brands awaiting our arrival, we anticipate a very welcoming experience.”

The Sixers are already one of the most marketable teams in the league, and they are well on their way to becoming the marquee team. A lot of that will depend on on-court success (and health!), but the fact that they’re playing on Christmas and in London within just a few weeks in the middle of the season tells you all you need to know about how the league feels about them. It turns out all that tanking didn’t do much harm. Or any at all. Trust the process.