Axel May / Photo credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP
The arrival of American basketball players from the NBA on Thursday evening at the Accord Arena in Paris delighted French fans. They saw the Cleveland Cavaliers win over the Brooklyn Nets, in a “made in USA” atmosphere. And some have paid large sums of money to see this spectacle.
Thursday evening, the Bercy Arena was packed for the arrival of American basketball players from the NBA. French fans saw the Cleveland Cavaliers win over the Brooklyn Nets (111-102). This is the third time in history that the NBA has relocated a regular season game to France. The Parisian public wanted a spectacle, and it was served.
A “Bonsoir Paris” with an American accent, cheerleaders and the mascots of the two teams. For one evening, the Paris-Bercy Arena was transformed into a basketball hall made in USA, to the delight of fans. Even if it means spending money, a lot of money, like this family of two adults and two children from Burgundy. “It’s a very, very big budget. For four, we’re at 2,600 euros, being in sixth place, so it’s okay. We really see them and it’s exceptional”, rejoices the father of the family.
A shower of stars
If the match was one-sided in favor of Cleveland, the show was also in the stands. Among the stars present, Pharrell Williams, Matt Pokora, Kylian Mbappé, David Beckham and even former NBA basketball players, Tony Parker and Mickaël Piétrus. “It’s a dream. It’s always a pleasure to host the NBA in Paris, especially for our fans here. And long live next year!”, rejoices the French basketball player.
It is widely rumored that in 2025, the new French NBA star, Victor Wembanyama, will come and play two games with his San Antonio team.