Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs scheduled to face Pacers in Paris

Victor Wembanyama, the standout player for the San Antonio Spurs and a prodigious talent, will make a homecoming to France next year. He will lead the Spurs in two regular-season games against the Indiana Pacers, set to take place in Paris as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 on January 23 and 25, as announced by the league on Monday.

Wembanyama, a native of Le Chesnay in the Paris region, has deep roots in French basketball, with his early experiences and professional debut centered around Paris. After being selected as the top overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, following a stellar performance with Metropolitans 92 in Paris, he emerged as a leading figure in the NBA.

The 20-year-old center, widely expected to be named the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, has showcased remarkable statistics, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game this season, with an impressive 29.7 minutes in 71 games, all of which he started.

These upcoming matches will mark the third and fourth appearances for the Spurs in Paris, with their last game in the city dating back to a 2006 preseason fixture. Conversely, the Indiana Pacers have never played in France.


The Spurs hold a special place in the hearts of French basketball enthusiasts, with notable players like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw contributing to their legacy. Parker, a former member of the famed "Big 3," attracted considerable attention from French journalists during his time with the Spurs, while Diaw played a pivotal role in securing the team's most recent NBA championship in 2014. Their impact, alongside that of other French players who have represented the Spurs over the years, underscores the enduring connection between the franchise and French basketball culture.

Source Clutchpoints: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs set for historic Paris games vs. Pacers
Source ESPN: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs to play Pacers twice in Paris in 2025