Both the men's and women's teams will face each other at the Manchester Arena on July 18 and 19 as part of the US pre-Olympic tour.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Manchester City Council announced the ticket sale, and it will be the first time that the US teams will have played against their opponents in Britain.

Helping to launch the tickets were British men's captain Drew Sullivan, teammate Lauren Thomas-Johnson and US legend Clyde Drexler.

Also in attendance was Lionel Price, who was part of the last British team to compete at the Olympics in 1948, also the last time the Games came to London.

"I am thrilled to be here in Manchester representing USA Basketball," said Drexler.

"Fans in the UK are in for a real treat when some of the world's best basketball players take to the court."

The women's teams will play each other on July 18, with the men facing off the following day, almost a week before the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

It will be a chance for fans across Britain to see on home turf the likes of US stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James take on Luol Deng and his team mates.

The US, the reigning Olympic champions and 13 times gold medal winners, will then jet off to Barcelona to take on Spain and Argentina, two of their main rivals in London this summer.

"Manchester is proud to be welcoming the US and Great Britain national teams in what are sure to be enthralling encounters when the men and women face off in July," said Councillor Michael Amesbury, executive member for Culture and Sport.

"The Manchester Arena will be the place to be as we once again host top level sports here in the city."

Tickets can be bought online at ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)844 847 8000.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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