MIAMI — The Miami Heat announced Tuesday that they will kick off their 2025-2026 preseason with a game in Puerto Rico, marking the franchise’s sixth visit to the island and the seventh preseason game played there in team history.
José Pañeda, the Spanish announcer for the Miami Heat, one of seven of the organization’s original employees, announced that the team will face the Orlando Magic in the exhibition game.
The game will take place Oct. 4 in Puerto Rico, hosted in partnership with Grupo VRDG. Julio Cabral Corrada, CEO and founder of the organization, emphasized the cultural and social importance of the event.
“We’re extremely grateful. I think today is a day of gratitude,” said Cabral. “We worked on this event for the last — it started all like three years ago … how we can elevate Puerto Rico as a gravitational center in the whole Americas to be a forthcoming force of sports, music, and entertainment.”
Beyond the court, the event will include community outreach efforts such as basketball clinics, celebrity engagements, and press events. “We really care about the community, no joke,” Cabral added. “If we do well people next to us have to do well as well.”
The Heat’s first visit to Puerto Rico dates back to 1983.
A key milestone came in 2003, when Dwyane Wade debuted his number 3 jersey during a preseason game in San Juan. “On that court in Puerto Rico … the rest is history,” Pañeda said.
Representing the Heat’s executive team, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer John Vidalin highlighted the team’s connection with Puerto Rican fans.
“We have a history, a rich history with Puerto Rico. We’re excited to be back,” Vidalin said. “We have great fans there.”
Miami Heat legend Glen Rice closed the event, reflecting on his playing days and the larger mission of the organization.
“The players, they’re gonna get a, a great opportunity to play in front of some phenomenal fans in Puerto Rico,” said Rice. “One of the things we try and do is do what we can in the communities, not just on the basketball court … and you can best believe we’re gonna give that 100%.”
In a light moment, Pañeda added, “A nonpaid announcement — Anuel will be in concert here on Sept. 19 and the next night, in Orlando at the Kia Center.”
The matchup between the Heat and Magic is expected to draw significant attention both locally and abroad, not only for the on-court action but for its broader impact in promoting basketball and community engagement in Puerto Rico.
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