NBA: Heckler interrupts US anthem at NBA London game with Greenland protest

A spectator shouted “Leave Greenland alone!” during the U.S. national anthem before an NBA regular-season game in London on Sunday, drawing scattered applause from the crowd as singer Vanessa Williams continued her performance.

The interruption occurred ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena. It marked the NBA’s first regular-season game in London since 2019.

The comment referenced recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said the U.S. should assert greater control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns.

Trump’s proposal has drawn criticism from European leaders, and he has threatened higher tariffs on eight European countries that oppose the idea.

Williams completed the anthem without reacting, and the game proceeded as scheduled in front of a sellout crowd of 18,424.

On the court, Memphis was led by Ja Morant, who scored 24 points in his return from an ankle injury. Jock Landale added 21 points off the bench. For Orlando, Wendell Carter Jr. led the team with 18 points.

The Grizzlies and Magic were completing a two-game European series, after Orlando won 118-111 in Berlin earlier in the week. The London crowd included several high-profile figures from sports and entertainment, and organizers said the atmosphere at times resembled that of a U.S. arena.

The game marked the latest step in the NBA’s efforts to expand its footprint in Europe. The league has announced that Manchester will host a regular-season game in 2027, while Paris and Berlin are also set to stage fixtures in 2028.

NBA officials have said discussions are ongoing about creating a standalone European league, which could launch as early as the 2027-28 season.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Christian Schmollinger/Reuters