London is gearing up for a blockbuster year of sport in 2026, with the capital set to host a packed calendar of world-class events spanning basketball, cricket, football and more. From the return of the NBA to British shores to high-octane T20 clashes under the floodlights, the city’s stadiums and arenas will be at the heart of some of the most anticipated showpieces on the global sporting calendar.This extensive guide from My London pulls together every major event confirmed so far for 2026 – when they’re happening, where to get tickets, and what fans can expect – offering a one-stop resource for anyone looking to plan their year around the capital’s biggest fixtures.
Key London sports fixtures in 2026 from NBA showdowns to T20 blockbusters
From the roar of packed arenas to floodlit drama under summer skies, 2026 is shaping up as a landmark year for the capital’s sporting calendar. The NBA is set to bring its travelling circus of star power back to The O2, with back-to-back regular season clashes that could feature title contenders from both conferences, while the NFL’s expanding London slate looks likely to cement the city as the league’s de facto European home. Cricket fans won’t be left out either, with sell-out international T20 nights at Lord’s and The Kia Oval expected to draw global audiences, and The Hundred ramping up the entertainment with music, pyrotechnics and family-amiable scheduling.
Tickets for the biggest occasions will be fiercely contested, with hospitality packages and priority sales already circling among corporate clients and fan clubs. To stay ahead, supporters are eyeing key booking windows and keeping tabs on fixture confirmation dates across multiple sports, including:
- NBA London Games at The O2 – regular season clashes featuring marquee US franchises
- International T20s at Lord’s and The Kia Oval – England under lights against top-ranked rivals
- Prestige football derbies – Premier League and domestic cup showdowns with global television reach
- Major rugby union weekends – Six Nations and top-level club fixtures at Twickenham
- High-profile boxing and MMA cards – title bouts at arenas across the capital
| Sport | Venue | Likely Month |
|---|---|---|
| NBA regular season | The O2 Arena | January |
| International T20 | Lord’s | June |
| International T20 | The Kia Oval | July |
| NFL London Game | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | October |
How to get tickets travel and accommodation for London’s biggest 2026 sporting events
Securing your place at the capital’s showpiece fixtures starts with timing and official sources. For headline events like the NBA showcase,T20 blockbusters at The Oval and Lord’s,or cup finals at Wembley,priority windows often open months in advance via official club websites,event organisers and verified ticketing partners. It pays to register for presale alerts, fan club memberships and venue newsletters to avoid inflated resale prices. When you’re comparing options, look closely at seat views, restricted sightlines and hospitality add-ons rather than just headline prices, especially for indoor arenas where tiers and angles can dramatically change the experience.
- Use trusted vendors: Stick to official box offices and recognised partners.
- Book early: Big transatlantic fixtures and finals can sell out on presale.
- Stay flexible: Midweek dates and afternoon games are often cheaper.
- Check transport links: Factor in late finishes and Sunday schedules.
| Event Type | Best Area to Stay | Typical Travel |
|---|---|---|
| NBA at The O2 | Canary Wharf / Greenwich | DLR & Jubilee line |
| T20 at Lord’s | Marylebone / Paddington | Bakerloo & bus links |
| Wembley Finals | Wembley Park / Baker Street | Metropolitan & rail |
Accommodation is where costs can spiral, especially on weekends when multiple fixtures collide.Lock in a refundable hotel or apartment near a fast Tube line rather than directly beside the stadium, as just two or three stops away often halves the nightly rate. Fans travelling from overseas or other parts of the UK should watch for bundled ticket-and-hotel packages sold by reputable sports tour operators, which sometimes include airport transfers or public transport cards.With London’s network, it’s usually smarter to prioritise good links from your base to several venues-Jubilee, Metropolitan and Elizabeth line interchanges-so you’re covered if you’re chasing back-to-back events in one packed weekend.
Insider tips on the best seats fan zones and matchday experiences across the capital
Snagging the right spot can turn a routine fixture into a story you’ll dine out on for years.At the O2 for NBA London, the lower bowl centre-court blocks offer the closest thing to a courtside experience without the A‑list price tag, while the baseline upper tiers are where the atmosphere gets raucous – think constant chanting and panoramic views for replays on social. Cricket fans heading to T20 nights at The Oval or Lord’s should look for mid‑wicket stands for the best angle on sixes, or the grandstand tiers for a classic postcard view of London’s skyline. For those with kids, family sections at Premier League grounds like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Emirates are quieter, with quicker access to facilities and fewer stair climbs between snack runs.
- Fan villages at Wembley and Twickenham now feel like mini-festivals, with live DJs, street food and sponsor challenges.
- Supporter pubs in North London (around Finsbury Park,Seven Sisters,Wembley Central) often open early with matchday menus.
- Big-screen fan zones in Trafalgar Square and along the South Bank are expected for major finals and international clashes.
- Late‑night NBA watch parties in Shoreditch and Soho bars mirror US tip‑off times with themed drinks and giveaways.
| Venue | Best Atmosphere | Smart Seat Pick |
|---|---|---|
| O2 Arena (NBA) | Side upper tiers | Lower bowl corners |
| The Oval (T20) | Peter May Stand | Mid‑wicket lower |
| Wembley Stadium | Behind each goal | Club Wembley tier |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | South Stand wall | East Stand upper |
What to book now essential recommendations for families casual fans and die hard supporters
With so much on the 2026 calendar, the smartest move is to lock in tickets that match how you like to experience sport. Families will want fixtures with daytime kick-offs, fan zones and easy transport, such as international rugby at Twickenham, select Premier League family weekends and summer Vitality T20 Blast double‑headers at The Oval and Lord’s. Casual fans frequently enough look for a big moment rather than a full season, making the NBA Global Games at The O2, Wimbledon’s middle‑Sunday, and a marquee England ODI at Lord’s the standout “one‑off” experiences to prioritise. Meanwhile, dedicated supporters are already eyeing season packages, priority memberships and early‑release windows for everything from Champions League nights to boxing title bouts in North Greenwich.
To help you decide what deserves a place on your 2026 wish list, here’s a snapshot of who each event suits best and when you should be ready to buy:
- Families: NBA London, T20 Blast London derbies, women’s football finals, NFL London Games.
- Casual fans: Wimbledon show‑court days, international cricket at Lord’s, London Diamond League, major boxing undercards.
- Die‑hards: Premier League and European knockout ties, Test matches, late‑night NBA tip‑offs, title fights.
| Event Type | Best For | Book By |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Global Game, The O2 | Families & casual fans | As soon as presale opens |
| Wimbledon show courts | Casual fans & purists | Public ballot / early summer |
| T20 London derbies | Families & groups | Spring advance tickets |
| Premier League run‑in | Die‑hard supporters | Fixture release week |
To Conclude
From transatlantic showpieces like the NBA and NFL to cricket under lights and world‑class athletics, London’s 2026 sporting calendar is set to be one long, rolling showcase of elite competition. Whether you’re planning a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip or simply looking to make the most of what’s on your doorstep, the capital offers something for every kind of fan.
Tickets for many of these events will go on sale months in advance and the biggest fixtures are likely to sell out fast. Keep an eye on official club and governing body channels, as well as venue announcements, to secure your seat.One thing is certain: from the first whistle of winter to the last cheer of summer, 2026 will reaffirm London’s status as one of the world’s great sporting stages.
