Miami Heat Leading the Way With NBA’s Fanbase Presence in Puerto Rico

MIAMI, FL – Yesterday, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic held a joint press conference to announce their preseason game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, October 4 at 8 PM. Per usual, this game will be hosted at Coliseo de Puerto Rico. This preseason matchup highlights the NBA’s growing fanbase presence in Puerto Rico, with the Heat leading the way.

The Miami Heat in Puerto Rico

The Miami Heat are no strangers to playing preseason games abroad, particularly in Puerto Rico. That is because they have played in all six games that have taken place on the island. This upcoming matchup against their in-state rivals will be the seventh all-time NBA preseason game to take place in San Juan.

Miami played its first-ever game at Coliseo de Puerto Rico on October 30, 1993, against the Denver Nuggets. It resulted in a 109-103 victory. The Heat ran it back the following season. This time, they played back-to-back games against their division foes, the Atlanta Hawks. Miami won the first game 104-99, and Atlanta took the second game 103-99.

No games would take place in San Juan until 2003. The Miami Heat faced the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 86-79 in overtime. Most notably, it was the debut of a young Dwyane Wade. The league changed its course for the setting of this game, as it was played at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. In 2005, the Heat lost 101-91 to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Coliseum. Then in 2006, the Heat were defeated by the Detroit Pistons 84-64.

It had been nearly 20 years since an NBA game had taken place in La Isla del Encanto until this announcement.

Fan Engagement in P.R.

Will the NBA ever expand to Puerto Rico? More than likely not for a multitude of reasons. However, the preseason games are still a fun way of gaining global interest in the game of basketball.

Roughly 1,040 miles separate Miami and San Juan. It makes sense as to why the Heat have taken part in every game over there all-time.

It’s surprising, though, to say that it has taken over 35 years for the league to schedule this matchup on the island. On top of being the second closest team to San Juan (roughly 1,190 miles), Orlando has the fifth-largest U.S. Puerto Rican population, based on the 2020 Census. Not only that, but Orange County also has the second largest concentration of Puerto Ricans among all counties, and Florida has the most Puerto Ricans in the United States.

Having been at 30 teams since 2004, it’s clear the NBA is interested in the idea of expanding and promoting its brand awareness internationally.

Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) is the top professional league in Puerto Rico. Basketball has become a popular sport in the country over time, arguably being the second most popular. Several BSN heavyweights have gone on to have lengthy NBA careers. The best examples are J.J. Barea and Carlos Arroyo.

Attendance has recently doubled at Puerto Rican arenas, too, thanks in part to famous rappers such as Bad Bunny, Anuel AA, and Ozuna making appearances at games.

Fan interest in basketball has been revitalized in Puerto Rico, and the NBA is taking notice.

José Pañeda was at the podium making introductions for today’s press conference announcement @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/hvSp13QOxE

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) August 12, 2025

Glen Rice (Heat legend), John Vidalin (Heat EVP & CCO), José Pañeda (Heat Spanish Radio Announcer), Nick Anderson (former Magic guard), Ryan DeVos (Magic Managing Director), and Julio Cabral-Corrada (Grupo VRDG CEO) each sharing their thoughts @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/XzI5eS5XjU

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) August 12, 2025

About Post Author

Ricardo Urrusuno

He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.

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