Phoenix Suns to play two games in Mexico City during 2016-17 season

For the first time in league history, the NBA will have two regular-season contests in Mexico in the same season, and the Phoenix Suns will play in both.

The Suns will play the Dallas Mavericks Jan. 12 and then face the San Antonio Spurs two nights later. Both games will take place at the Mexico City Arena.

“We’ve been playing NBA games in Mexico for 25 years, and we’re thrilled that for the first time we are bringing two regular-season games to Mexico City, featuring three teams with an exciting mix of veteran talent and emerging stars,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“It’s an honor to make history alongside the NBA and call Mexico City a second home of the Suns this season,” Phoenix president Jason Rowley said. “We have an incredibly strong and supportive Hispanic fan base in Arizona, and these two games present a unique opportunity to strengthen our relationship with NBA fans in both Arizona and Mexico. We’re extremely proud to represent the NBA as it continues to grow the game internationally, and we are grateful for this opportunity to help further deepen the relationship between Mexico and Arizona.”

The games will not be the only league-related happenings south of the border. NBA Global Games Mexico City will also feature a variety of interactive fan events and NBA Cares community celebrations.

The Suns are no strangers to NBA Global Games. They participated in the first two regular-season contests held outside North America when they opened the 1990-91 season in Tokyo, Japan with two games against the Utah Jazz.

Last season, the Boston Celtics beat the Sacramento Kings 114-97 in Mexico City. It was the third regular-season game played in Mexico in the league’s history.

The Suns have a press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the historic trip.

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