On Tuesday morning (25.08), Flamengo, Orlando Magic and the NBA officially presented the NBA Global Games Rio 2015 at a press conference at a hotel in Copacabana. The event will be highlighted by the match between FlaBasquete and the North American team, on October 17, at the HSBC Arena, in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Buy your ticket now.

Present at the press conference were Marcelinho Machado (Flamengo captain), Arnon de Mello Neto (vice-president and executive director of the NBA in Brazil) and star Horace Grant, owner of four NBA rings (2001-1993-1992-1991) and former Orlando Magic player, as well as representatives of the event's sponsors, Bruno Cremona and Ênio Ribeiro.

For the third consecutive time, we're bringing an NBA game to Brazil. Not every country can achieve this frequency, and today we've achieved it in Brazilian basketball. This is the first time a Brazilian team has hosted an NBA team in Brazil. Flamengo's participation in the 2014 preseason was already excellent for basketball's self-esteem and a source of great pride. Our teams are capable of playing on equal terms. We'll have a fan base here like no other basketball team in the world—the Flamengo fans. It will be a unique moment for the NBA as well, witnessing this. The NBA strongly believes in Brazil. We've partnered with the Brazilian National Basketball Association (NBB) in a project to grow globally. To celebrate this partnership, we'll play a game against Flamengo, the current national champion. The team performed well in Orlando, and we'll have a great game. 

"It's a unique moment. Once again, Flamengo is making history. I'm very happy, and I speak for everyone involved. I remember watching my first NBA game, holding my father's TV antenna. And today, I get to play against a team from the League at our home. We want to bring out the fans; the way we support them here in Brazil is different, and we'll go out there determined to beat them. Playing at home, we always go out to win. I'm sure our fans will show up and reinforce our strengths on the court. We know there's a big difference in structure these days, but last year we saw we can play on equal terms, especially against Phoenix and Orlando, which were very competitive. And it was all new for us; this time, we know more. Flamengo will always be competitive and will put on a great performance."

- I thank the entire Global Games committee; it's a very important event, a fantastic thing. In my 17 years in the NBA, nothing like this has ever happened. It will be an excellent game. I heard that Flamengo is a four-time national champion, which will be excellent, and you have many special players. It will be a unique match. Please take it easy with my Orlando Magic (laughs).

Once again, the Pride of the Nation lives up to its nickname and makes history. After being the pioneering national—and South American—team in the preseason of the world's biggest basketball league, Flamengo will be the first Brazilian club to participate in the event. The team, led by José Neto, will face the Orlando Magic for the second time, a team they faced during their training camp in the United States. On that occasion, the Red-Black Nation was present at the gym in Florida, and the athletes played a close match against their opponent. 

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team receives direct funding from its sponsors – SKY, Estácio, and Peugeot – as well as investments from Tim through the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure, and Youth (ICMS). You can also contribute to the development of new FlaBasquete athletes by becoming a Red-Black Guardian Angel. Simply transfer up to 6% of your income tax due and receive your contribution back in your income tax refund. The program will be back on air soon.