NBA Mexico priorities and Karim López, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): Mexico remains one of the priorities of the NBA, which seeks to strengthen its presence in the country and is also considering bringing Karim López and the Memphis Grizzlies to play a official regular-season game before domestic fans.
In a conversation with Publimetro México, Raúl Zárraga, NBA director of operations for Mexico and Latin America, discussed plans for the young Sonoran player, his growth expectations and the possibility that Mexico could have its own franchise. The interview took place during the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, which will feature the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers this Saturday, November 7, at Arena CDMX, marking the organization’s 35th game on Mexican soil since 1992.
Zárraga said the league’s immediate objective is to confirm its intention to bring Karim López’s team to Mexico, and that the plan is to keep games in Mexico, as the league has consistently stated. He described a multiyear contract and said details would be shared when the time comes.
He noted that scheduling is complicated because the global game calendar is extensive.
Zárraga said he hopes Karim López can celebrate his career in Mexico City at some point. He praised the young player’s mental discipline and family background, noting that he has not met the player or his family personally, though his team has briefly spoken with his father.
He said López was the 21st overall pick and that his development will take time, since he has so far only played in the Summer League.
On expansion, Zárraga said the league’s commissioner has consistently stated that Mexico has what is needed to be considered. He cited proximity to the United States, a shared time zone, an economy suited to the task and more than 30 million fans in Mexico.
He acknowledged that the current priorities are Las Vegas and Seattle, the two cities that remain the principal options for expansion.
Zárraga also pointed to the Mexican team Capitanes as evidence of local demand, noting it has spent 10 years as a team in Mexico and about five or six years in its league, with playoff appearances, a full arena and attendance records. He said the goal is to convert Mexico’s existing fan base into dedicated NBA followers who make the league their primary sports choice.
