Spurs will appear more often in Austin this season

As the San Antonio Spurs seek a return to the NBA Finals, they will increase their number of regular season games played in Austin from two to three.

Why it matters: The Spurs are aiming for a global footprint — led by their charismatic French big man, Victor Wembanyama — and Austin has emerged as a key stepping stone.

The intrigue: In addition to their customary pair of February games at the Moody Center, the Spurs added an October date.

• That matchup, on Oct. 23 at 8:30pm, against the Houston Rockets, is during Formula 1 weekend," creating an opportunity to connect with fans visiting from around the globe," per a team press release.
• The Spurs will return to the Moody Center to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 26 and the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 28.

Zoom (far) out: The Spurs also play two games in Europe this season — in Paris and Manchester, England — in mid-January.

What they're saying: Even as they are trying explicitly to position themselves as a global brand, the Spurs frame the Austin and overseas dates to their hometown fans as a bid to bring their city to the world.

• The team is "proud to represent San Antonio and share the spirit, culture and community that make our city special everywhere the Spurs take the court," RC Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement.

What's next: The Spurs will open the season against Western Conference rival Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 20 in San Antonio.