The O2 in London hosts 76ers-Celtics today at 8:00pm local time, and the game "will mark the eighth consecutive NBA London regular-season game sellout." NBA Senior VP & Managing Dir of Europe, the Middle East & Africa Ben Morel said, "A lot of people are coming from France and across the continent of Europe to attend that game." The matchup features a traditional rivalry with divisional implications, so it could be the "most significant NBA London game to date." Morel added, "We are working more closely to bring more games in an available time slot" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 1/9).
The game is "generating a huge buzz," and as of this morning, the "cheapest seat" was listed at US$658 including fees on StubHub. A "premium seat in the center of the lower bowl" was going for US$2,300 with fees, and was "only sold as a set of three" (ESPN.com, 1/11).
Both franchises "will use the event to extend their brand and drum up international business." 76ers parent company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which has a stake in EPL club Crystal Palace, brought "about 200 people to London in the days leading up to the game." The Celtics have "about eight partners included in the trip," with a "traveling party of around 100 people" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/8 issue).
