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Bulls and British Basketball star Luol Deng to play at The O2.

The National Basketball Association, Euroleague Basketball and EA Sports announced today that the NBA will return to London for the third consecutive year as Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls take on the Utah Jazz at The O2 on Oct. 6 as part of NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS™.

Deng, British-born Ben Gordon and the Bulls will face US and Jazz stars and 2008 Olympic Gold medallists Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer.

“For the last three years through NBA Europe Live, I have been able to witness first-hand, the passion and excitement of basketball fans in Europe,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “This year will be no different when two franchises rich in tradition and success, the Bulls and the Jazz, play at The O2. The continued efforts of Euroleague Basketball and EA SPORTS, together with the ongoing support of England Basketball, British Basketball and the British Basketball League, are a testament to the commitment to grow basketball in the U.K.”

London has hosted four NBA games and seven teams since the first NBA Games in Europe were staged at Wembley Arena in 1993. The Bulls, who are six-time NBA Champions, last played in Europe at the 1997 McDonald’s Championship in Paris.

“It has always been my dream to play for the Bulls in London.” said Luol Deng. “They were the team I supported as a kid growing up and I am looking forward to playing in front of my hometown family and friends. We will put on a great show for the fans, whilst having the opportunity to show my teammates the culture that London has to offer.”

Basketball in the U.K. has enjoyed a recent resurgence with club membership doubling over the last four years ahead of the 2012 Olympics. British Basketball, aided by Deng and Pops Mensah Bonsu (Toronto Raptors), qualified for EuroBasket 2009 and will host a four-team tournament at The O2 from August 14-16. In addition, thousands of young people in London will have access to basketball coaching and organised competition with the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programme, in partnership with Greenhouse Schools Project, and the NBA’s support of the London Youth Games, which tips-off in May.

Tickets for the game at The O2 are on sale now at www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.