London Marathon Events has announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the NBA.
The collaboration combines the NBA’s basketball development expertise with LME’s world-leading events knowledge and extensive networks within London’s schools. The focus is on the exciting 3v3 version of the sport and will include:
Jr. NBA 3v3: A free tournament, operated by LME, open to all London secondary schools for Years 9 to 11 (ages 13 to 16) that will feature a series of knock-out rounds before a thrilling Finals event held in an iconic central London location in June. The finals will include Boys, Girls and Wheelchair categories, with teams competing to be crowned London’s first-ever Jr. NBA 3v3 winners. The location of the finals will be announced at a later date.
NBA in the Classroom: Primary and secondary schools across the capital will be provided with access to NBA in the Classroom, an NBA-themed educational programme that provides free, downloadable teaching materials for teachers in the UK that focuses on career development, financial management, mental wellbeing and physical education. In support of this programme, it now also features resources that include guidance on setting up 3v3 courts as well as 3v3 coaching instructions for teachers emphasizing inclusive best practices for teaching the game to all participants.
The collaboration, which is supported by the Mayor of London’s Office, was launched today at a secondary school in Westminster, where basketball stars showcased their range of skills and challenged pupils to a game.
The 3v3 version of basketball, which made its debut as an Olympic sport in 2021 and was a featured sport at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, was prioritised because it is easier to introduce in schools. Played with three team members (from a squad of six) on court at any one time, the court is smaller than a traditional basketball court and the duration of games makes it easier for more children to play.
Inspiring activity in children and young people is one of LME’s primary objectives. While data released (Statistics from Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey Report, 2024) showed less than half of the children surveyed across the UK are taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity every day, basketball is one area showing signs of growth with further data showing that 1.18 million people under the age of 16 currently play basketball at least once a week.
This programme will concentrate on London boroughs with the largest growth opportunity in basketball and include supporting the provision of wheelchair basketball in schools.
Registrations for the Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament, which is open to Years 9-11, are open now and will close on Friday 14 February. The competition is free to enter, and younger pupils in primary schools are also able to join in with free resources for their schools to show how they can teach 3v3.
The Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals will be held on Friday 6 June and, in addition to the series of Finals matchups, it will also include coaching clinics for children from local primary schools and a chance for community groups from across London to come along and play.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “This is a landmark collaboration between LME and the NBA which will result in thousands of children and young people across the capital playing basketball and enjoying being active.”
“Basketball is the second most popular team sport in the country, after football, and this programme will inspire and empower young people to develop their basketball ability and, most of all, have fun while being active. We’re delighted to be working with the NBA on this exciting, innovative and necessary project.”
Neal Meyer, NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe & Middle East, said: “Launching the Jr. NBA 3v3 programme in London reflects our commitment to making basketball more accessible to aspiring players of all abilities and skill levels throughout the UK. We look forward to working closely with LME to provide the youth of London with more opportunities to learn the fundamentals and values of the game, including the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I am delighted to support this innovative collaboration between London Marathon Events and the NBA, that will inspire more young people to play basketball in schools across our city and reinforce London’s position as the sporting capital of the world.
“This cooperation between two world-leading sports organisations builds on the work of the new basketball taskforce I have created to grow the game, create positive opportunities for young people and attract new events to London.
“As the country’s second most popular team sport after football, basketball is a fantastic sport that can positively impact and inspire young people, helping to develop positive people and communities.”
“I would encourage all schools across the capital to get involved with the exciting new free tournament as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”