NBA Returns to Mexico City: A Dream Realized

The NBA will host its Mexico City Game 2026 on November 7, with the Denver Nuggets facing the Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX. This marks the league's 35th game in the country since 1992, reflecting Mexico's status as a key international market with 30 million NBA fans.

Horacio Llamas, the first Mexican-born NBA player, sees these games as a testament to basketball's evolution in his homeland. He has witnessed fans' dedication, with many traveling from across Mexico, incurring significant costs for flights and accommodation, to experience an NBA game firsthand.

Llamas, who is now an NBA ambassador, shared his personal journey from being a young fan in Sinaloa dreaming of playing in the league to achieving that goal in 1997. He faced numerous challenges, including limited media coverage and a lack of proper facilities growing up, before eventually earning a spot in the NBA.

His path included playing college basketball, Summer League appearances, and time in the Continental Basketball Association before signing his first 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns. Llamas also fondly recalled moments like training with his idol Hakeem Olajuwon and hitting a game-winning three-pointer passed to him by Michael Jordan.

Looking ahead, Llamas supports the development of new Mexican talent, such as Karim López, the first Mexican-born player drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft. He emphasizes the importance of allowing young players to develop naturally and acknowledges the diverse paths now available to reach the NBA, contrasting with the past reliance on US college systems.