Basketball facilities in London are poised to receive a significant investment of £1.5 million ahead of the NBA’s return to the city.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced that this funding is part of a long-term strategy aimed at improving access to the sport for young individuals.
This initiative is in response to the findings detailed in the „State of Play“ report, developed by the mayor’s Basketball Taskforce, which was established last year to explore ways to enhance the sport’s growth and support within London.
NBA Returns to London
The NBA is scheduled to make its return to London on January 18, featuring a matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies. This game at the O2 Arena will be the first NBA event in the capital since 2019.
In addition to the funding, the mayor’s office has introduced a new Facilities Development Fund, intended for the refurbishment and upgrading of community basketball courts throughout the city. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and create safer, more appealing environments for local basketball.
City Hall is also in conversations with the London Marathon Foundation to maximize the impact of this fund.
New Programs and Opportunities
From February to April, an „NBA Court Time“ program will offer indoor basketball sessions priced at £1 for participants at various GLL leisure centers. These sessions will be available to both young people and adults, including women-only classes, and are designed to be a permanent offering beyond spring 2026.
Furthermore, the mayor’s London Coaches Programme, implemented by Basketball England in partnership with the NBA, will receive a £1 million extension. This initiative supports London-based coaches aged 16 to 30, aiming to train an additional 180 individuals, provide employment or internships for 90 coaches, and reach over 50,000 young people.
Supporting Youth Engagement
Additionally, the mayor and the taskforce have endorsed a new Jr. NBA 3v3 schools tournament throughout London. The pilot program from the previous year saw participation from pupils representing 174 secondary schools, ensuring involvement from every London borough. Numerous schools subsequently established new weekly basketball clubs.
City Hall has stated that this latest investment will effectively support the recommendations put forth by the Basketball Taskforce.
Impact on Community
George Aivazoglou, the NBA’s managing director for Europe and the Middle East, expressed pride in collaborating with the mayor to create sustainable opportunities that will benefit young people and communities across the capital.
The NBA’s broader development program related to the January 18 game is expected to engage over 5,000 young individuals aged 12 to 16 through youth clinics, coaching sessions, and community initiatives.
