\[US, Mexico & Canada customers only\] Nov 2, 2024; Mexico City, MEXICO; Catrinas perform during a NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards at Arena CDMX. Mandatory Credit: Henry Romero/Reuters via Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons will play a regular-season game on Nov. 1 at Mexico City's Arena CDMX.
The NBA confirmed on Tuesday its 34th game in Mexico, the most of any country outside the U.S. and Canada.
The game will be celebrated as part of the "Dia de Muertos" (Day of the Dead) celebrations locally, including a variety of in-game activations, a themed court and initiatives for fans. This is the second consecutive year for the "Dia de Muertos" theme. Last year's game featured the Miami Heat vs. the Washington Wizards at the Arena CDMX on Nov. 2.
"The Mavericks and Pistons are two exciting teams that feature a mix of established and rising stars," NBA Latin America senior VP/head of operations Raul Zarraga said in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming them back to Mexico and to once again celebrating 'Dia de Muertos' with the passionate NBA fans in Mexico and from across Latin America."
The Mavericks, who possess the top pick in the 2025 draft (expected to be Duke star Cooper Flagg), will be playing their eighth game in Mexico.
The Pistons, who just finished one of the biggest year-to-year turnarounds in NBA history while earning the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, will be playing their third game south of the border.
The live broadcast of the event is expected to stretch around the world, reaching more than 200 countries and territories via television, digital media and social media.
"The Detroit Pistons organization is excited to be participating in the NBA Mexico City Game 2025 next season," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said in a statement. "Playing a regular-season game in Mexico City will be a great experience for our players and coaches, and we look forward to showcasing Detroit basketball to an international audience and a passionate, growing NBA fanbase."
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said in a statement, "The vibrancy of Mexico City and the passion of its fans make it the perfect place to host these Global Games, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to represent the NBA and the city of Dallas in Mexico City for the eighth time."
\--Field Level Media