Match Preview
London Lions host Manchester Basketball at the Copper Box Arena on 18 December 2026 — a pre-Christmas Friday night SLB Championship fixture that represents one of the standout domestic dates of the mid-season calendar. Manchester Basketball have established themselves as one of the more progressive clubs in the Super League Basketball Championship, with investment and ambition that makes them a genuine title contender and a difficult opponent at any level. December at the Copper Box is a festive occasion: the east London crowd arrives in pre-Christmas mood and the arena takes on a different quality in the winter evening atmosphere — one of the more enjoyable Friday night events in London’s winter sports calendar. The SLB Championship by mid-December will have a clearer shape, with playoff positions coming into focus and clubs managing their squads through the demanding dual-competition period. This fixture has genuine league significance and is likely to be well attended. From Manchester, the direct LNER or Avanti service to London takes around 2 hours, making this a feasible away trip for travelling Manchester supporters. For London fans, the Copper Box remains one of the most straightforward arena destinations in the capital via Stratford. Tickets via Ticketmaster and Lions’ own channels; StubHub and Viagogo for resale. A quality December Friday night of SLB basketball before the festive break.
