In a stunning and unprecedented announcement today, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon (or his successor, depending on the context) revealed that the franchise will be relocating to Siberia, citing “a long-term lack of fan engagement, deteriorating arena conditions, and a bold opportunity to globalize the brand.”“After years of evaluating the franchise’s future in Indianapolis, we’ve made the difficult but visionary decision to move operations to Novosibirsk, Siberia,” the owner said during a press conference. “This isn’t just a relocation — it’s a reinvention of what basketball can mean to the world.”
Key Details:
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The team will be rebranded as the Siberian Snowcats.
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The move will be finalized by the 2026-2027 NBA season.
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A new state-of-the-art arena is already under construction in Novosibirsk, featuring heated courtside seating and ice-resistant hardwood.
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Sources say the NBA Board of Governors was “hesitant but intrigued” by the global expansion angle.
Reactions:
Fans in Indiana expressed shock and disbelief. Local officials have vowed to fight the relocation, calling it “an outrageous betrayal.” Meanwhile, Siberian residents appear cautiously optimistic — with one local teen saying, “Cool. I just hope they win more than our hockey team.”
Social media, of course, exploded.
“Pacers to Siberia?! Does that mean away games are in -40° wind chill now?”
– @NBAJunkie420
This marks the first time an NBA team will play in Eastern Russia and could signal a new frontier for the league — both geographically and meteorologically.
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