Trail Blazers host London Lions in historic preseason matchup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:24 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
The Portland Trail Blazers will face the London Lions in a significant preseason game on October 12 at the Moda Center. This matchup marks the first meeting of a British basketball club against an NBA team and honors Arvydas Sabonis, a former Trail Blazers player. Tautvydas Sabonis, Arvydas's son, coaches the Lions, providing a familial connection that the Blazers intend to celebrate. The organization plans to honor Arvydas during the game and highlight the legacy of international players in the franchise's history. This occasion is set to be more than just a typical preseason game.
- •Portland's game against London is scheduled for October 12.
- •This is the first British team to face an NBA team.
- •Tautvydas Sabonis coaches London and is Arvydas Sabonis's son.
- •The Blazers aim to honor Arvydas Sabonis during the event.
- •Yang Hansen's involvement will highlight the team's international future.
- 12:24 AMYahoo Sports — Trail Blazers’ Most Meaningful Preseason Game Has Nothing To Do With Winning
"A Sabonis legacy returns to Rip City as London’s head coach faces his father’s former team, transforming a historic international exhibition into a poignant celebration of franchise heritage.
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