by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings will travel to Mexico City next December to play the Boston Celtics as part of the NBA Global Games 2015. The December 3rd game will be a regular season contest and the Kings will be the home team. The game will be played in the Mexico City Arena.

The Global Games are a part of the NBA marketing initiative to take “the Association” to basketball fans around the world. The Kings played preseason games in China in 2014 as a part of the Global Games.

“We’re honored to participate in the NBA’s Global Games,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadive. “The ultimate power of sports is the ability to connect people across geographic, economic and cultural lines. As part of our NBA 3.0 philosophy, we look forward to connecting with fans in Mexico City and sharing our experience through social media and digital platforms with fans around the world.”

The teams will also be involved in a number of off court activities that will include community programs and interactive fan events.

“International competition provides an opportunity for our players and staff to grow closer together while experiencing basketball in a foreign setting,” said Kings Head Coach George Karl. “We’re all excited about the trip to Mexico City and look forward to entertaining many great NBA fans in Latin America.”

While it is clear why the NBA wants to market itself around the world, it is not clear how this game benefits the fans in Sacramento. Rather than 41 home games in 2015-16, there will be only 40 home dates. Since Sacramento will be the home team, local fans will not have the opportunity to see the Boston Celtics and local favorite Isaiah Thomas next season.

The local fans need to be compensated for the loss of a home game so the NBA can further its Global Marketing plan. How should they be compensated is open to question. What do you think? What would make you – the fans – feel better about the loss of a home game for the “good” of the league? Maybe a viewing party and fiesta at Sleep Train Arena the night of the game would help make up for the loss of the home contest.

Let us know what you think. Post your ideas below.