London Lions will bring a high-level European pre-season tournament to the Copper Box Arena next month, with Žalgiris Kaunas, Paris Basketball and Śląsk Wrocław confirmed for the new London Lions Invitational.
The two-day event is scheduled for 10 and 11 September 2026, giving London supporters an early look at the Lions against continental opposition before the domestic and European season gathers pace.
London open the tournament against Polish side Śląsk Wrocław at 5:30pm on Thursday 10 September, before Žalgiris Kaunas meet Paris Basketball at 8:30pm. The second day will feature the third-place game at 5:30pm and the final at 8:30pm, with doors opening at 4:30pm on both days.
It is another significant pre-season marker for the Lions, who have already announced a historic NBA pre-season fixture against the Portland Trail Blazers in the United States. Hosting three recognised European clubs in London adds another major date to the club’s build-up and gives UK fans a rare chance to watch EuroLeague and EuroCup-level opposition in person.
Žalgiris arrive with one of the strongest basketball identities in Europe, while Paris Basketball have become one of the continent’s fastest-rising clubs after winning the EuroCup in 2024 and moving into the EuroLeague picture. Śląsk Wrocław, one of Poland’s most decorated clubs, complete a field with genuine European pedigree.
The Lions also have recent history with two of the visitors. London hosted Žalgiris in a sold-out pre-season meeting before the 2025-26 campaign, while Paris ended the Lions’ 2023-24 EuroCup run at the semi-final stage on their way to lifting the trophy.
London Lions CEO Steve Devereux said the event supports the club’s wider ambition after the Portland announcement, calling it part of the Lions’ mission “to become a global basketball brand”.
Tickets are due to go on sale via Ticketmaster, with prices starting from £19 for adults, according to the club announcement.
Source: London Lions official announcement. Featured image: London Lions official announcement; explicit reuse licence not stated.