The NBA is to stage pre-season games in Europe for the third year in a row.

"Our third consecutive year of the NBA Europe Live is another step in our ongoing efforts to bring the excitement of the NBA to our loyal and passionate fans across Europe," commissioner David Stern said in a statement.

Four-time All-Star Dwyane Wade and his Miami Heat team will play the New Jersey Nets at the Palais Omnisport in Paris on October 9 and again at London's O2 Arena three days later.

"I am looking forward to expanding the game of basketball to these great cities with my team mates," he said.

"Being a part of Team USA Basketball in the Olympics, I know the importance of taking the next step in making the NBA a global sport."

The Washington Wizards take on Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets in Berlin on October 14 and again in Barcelona three days later.

"It will be a great, team-bonding experience to play internationally," Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said.

"Boston went overseas last pre-season and look what it did for their chemistry going into the season. This is an experience which can only help a team prepare for the upcoming season."

The Red Sox are the most successful NBA team this season.

Last year sell out crowds watched four NBA teams play in seven pre-season games across six European cities including Rome and Istanbul.

Reuters