During the NBA regular-season game at London’s O2 Arena over the weekend, the crowd booed both the US national anthem and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan when his image appeared on the arena’s jumbotron.
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic in what was the NBA’s first regular-season fixture in London since 2019. The match was held at the O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula, which has hosted all 10 of the league’s London games. The contest also forms part of a three-year international NBA programme, with future games scheduled in Manchester, Paris, Berlin, and London.
The arena’s large screen highlighted public figures in attendance. When a pre-recorded clip of Sir Sadiq Khan waving after half-time was shown in the fourth quarter, booing erupted across the venue. Reports indicate the Mayor had already left his seat by this point. Social media users commented on the reaction, noting the vocal response from the crowd.
Earlier in the evening, some attendees also booed the US national anthem and chanted slogans including “leave Greenland alone,” referencing opposition to former US President Donald Trump’s ambitions to secure Greenland. X-rated language was reportedly heard around the arena before the game began.
The event drew a sell-out crowd of 18,424, including footballers Declan Rice, João Pedro, and Virgil van Dijk, alongside Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry and basketball Hall of Famer Tony Parker. Non-sporting celebrities, including actor Rosamund Pike and comedian Mo Gilligan, were also in attendance.
Sir Sadiq Khan has previously supported basketball initiatives in London, including the “More Ball Games” campaign to increase public access to sporting spaces and backing the London Lions’ plans to develop a new arena.
This NBA London game marks the 19th occasion an NBA team has played in the United Kingdom since 1993 and concludes a two-game European tour for both sides, following Thursday’s 118-111 win for Orlando in Berlin.
