The MEN Arena will see NBA and WBNA stars in action as United States basketball's men's and women's national teams take on their British counterparts as they look to prepare for the defence of their Olympic titles.

The British women's team will also be playing the Atlanta Dream at the same venue on May 29.

Ferdinand said: "I am a huge basketball fan so it is great that the NBA is bringing the best of British and American talent to Manchester over the next few years, starting with the Atlanta Dream against Team GB women.

"In the USA, these athletes are absolute superstars and at the top of their game, and I'm sure that the game will be a great spectacle and good preparation for Team GB ahead of next year's Olympic Games."

Fans who buy tickets for the May 29 game between Britain's women and the Atlanta Dream will have first option on seats for when the American teams come to Manchester in 2012.

Tickets for the game later this month cost between £20 ($33) and £70 ($115), and are available from www.men-arena.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk or via phone at 0844 847 8000.

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