The Jr. NBA 3v3 basketball tournament is expanding to include primary schools for the first time in 2026, opening opportunities for pupils in Years 5 and 6. This development, announced during NBA London Game 2026 week, builds upon the programme launched in 2025 through collaboration between the NBA and London Marathon Events. The fast-paced, half-court format has been specifically designed to make basketball more accessible in school environments with limited space.
The inaugural 2025 season demonstrated significant engagement, with 174 secondary schools participating, representing approximately one-third of all London secondary schools. Teams from every London borough took part in the competition, with 31% of participating schools located in areas ranked among the most disadvantaged according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
The Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament reached one-third of London’s secondary schools, with strong participation from the city’s most disadvantaged communities.
The programme offers inclusive categories for different groups, with the secondary tournament open to students in Years 9-11 (ages 13-16). Finals include Boys, Girls, and Wheelchair basketball categories, with support provided for wheelchair basketball in schools. The competition remains free for all London secondary schools. The initial launch event featured basketball stars demonstrating their skills at a Westminster school to inspire student participation.
The 2025 Finals made history by being held at Trafalgar Square, marking the first time competitive basketball was played at this iconic landmark. The Finals Festival took place on Friday, June 6, following a series of knock-out rounds. The 2026 finals will be hosted at an undisclosed London venue on June 5, with entries closing on January 30 for interested primary schools.
Government support has been substantial, with City Hall investing £540,000 into the Legacy Programme. Of this amount, £500,000 is directed toward basketball court regeneration across London, while £40,000 supports winter basketball sessions through NBA Court Time. The Mayor of London’s commitment extends beyond court investments to include a £1 million expansion of the London Coaches Programme aimed at developing new basketball coaches aged 16-30.
Basketball’s popularity continues to grow nationally, with 1.18 million people under age 16 playing at least once weekly in England. The sport received additional momentum when 3v3 basketball made its Olympic Games debut in Paris 2024.
To support implementation, free resources are available for primary schools teaching 3v3 basketball, including PE packs with quick guides, warm-ups, skills-building activities, and cool-downs. Cross-curricular teaching materials can also be accessed through NBA in the Classroom.
