
The upcoming NBA Paris Games are shaping up to be a weeklong celebration of France’s own Victor Wembanyama.
This week, the 2025 NBA Paris Games, presented by Tissot, will feature two games between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena. The games are a homecoming for Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who played professionally in Paris and starred for the French national team in the 2024 Olympics.
Check out what the media is saying about the Pacers and Spurs throughout this week:
Headlines
- NBA Paris Games give Spurs, Pacers a chance to extend brands – Jason Clinkscales, Sportico
- ‘Work hard, play hard.’ Pacers embrace Paris trip, even if it’s all about Victor Wembanyama – Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar
- Without Gregg Popovich, Victor Wembanyama plays role of Spurs dinner host in Paris – Joe Vardon, Athletic
- Tyrese Haliburton reminded of Team USA glory, personal struggle in return to Paris – Joe Vardon, Athletic
- How the Spurs paved the way for Victor Wembanyama’s NBA career – Michael C. Wright, ESPN
- Why NBA games on European soil are so important — especially when Victor Wembanyama is involved – Morten Stig Jensen, Y!
- Spurs at NBA midpoint: Losing Gregg Popovich, highs and lows, but ‘this is not easy’ – Mike Monroe, Athletic
- Spurs arrive in Paris; announce collaboration with Paris Saint-Germain – Jeff Garcia, KENS5
- Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama returns to France, childhood gym as NBA star: ‘It’s like two worlds meeting’ – Joe Vardon, Athletic
- Bonjour! Pacers arrive in Paris – Scott Agnes, Substack
- HOME COMFORTS Victor Wembanyama feels ‘worlds collide’ as NBA superstar reunites with former Paris teammates on return home – Sunni Upal, US Sun
- Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama earns hero’s welcome back in France before NBA Paris Games – Troy Finnegan, Clutch Points
- “Wembamania,” marketing, ‘golden age of French basketball’… Why the NBA loves Paris so much – Le Figaro
French Headlines
- France’s Le Parisien spotlights growing interest in NBA merchandise in Paris and shares information on NBA events leading up to this week’s Paris Games.
- Ouest France, RMC Sport, France Bleu and more share additional local coverage on this week’s Paris Games, Wembanyama’s schedule and how to watch the games.
- France’s Le Parisien spotlights growing interest in NBA merchandise in Paris and shares information on NBA events leading up to this week’s Paris Games.
- RMC Sport (1/20) shares Wemby’s schedule for the NBA Paris Games, noting his daily itinerary features training sessions, media appearances and community engagements. The schedule also includes time for team bonding and exploring Paris, allowing Wemby to showcase his hometown to his teammates.
- Ouest France, France Bleu and more share additional local coverage on this week’s Paris Games, Wemby’s schedule and how to watch the games.
- Eric Michel (Le Parisien) spotlights how Wemby is becoming an icon in his hometown neighborhoods and a hero for a new generation. The article highlights how Wemby’s success and humility resonate with the youth, making him a role model. His return to France this week has been met with great enthusiasm, showcasing his growing influence both on and off the court.
- Adrien Mathieu (Le Point) spotlights Wemby’s NBA success and ability to captivate American audiences. In his second season, Wemby has earned praise from peers and surpassed significant milestones.
- L’Equipe notes Wemby and the Spurs held their first practice in Paris at the Maurice-Thorez sports hall in Nanterre. After arriving from Miami, Spurs players were warmly welcomed by young basketball players and numerous journalists. After the practice, the Spurs planned a dinner at a restaurant chosen by Wemby.
- Sports.fr and Paris Match have continued coverage of Wemby launching a treasure hunt for tickets to the NBA Paris Games with QR codes hidden in five French cities.
Social Media
Never know who will turn up in Paris pic.twitter.com/VfkItaTq8w
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) January 20, 2025
Wemby speaks in Paris: “For me, it’s more and more incredible,” he says of the homecoming.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 20, 2025
Victor Wembanyama a inauguré deux terrains de basket en accès libre dans sa ville d'origine @VilleduChesnayR là où il a débuté 👽 Des dizaines d’enfants du Chesnay Versailles Basket Club ainsi que le propriétaire des @spurs et des coéquipiers de la star étaient présents #NBA pic.twitter.com/fhxav4yef8
— ici Paris Île-de-France (@iciparisidf) January 21, 2025