Jr. NBA 3v3 Final returns to Trafalgar Square on Thursday for showcase of London's top school talent.
Trafalgar Square will once again transform into a high-energy celebration of basketball this Thursday (9 July), with the return of the Jr. NBA 3v3 Final, the biggest 3v3 basketball programme in the capital.
Students in Years 9 and 10 from almost 350 secondary schools across London have battled it out in a series of Area Finals with five boys' and five girls' teams making it to Thursday's Final, where they will look to become 3v3 champions. Fast-paced and easy to learn, 3v3 basketball features three players per team competing on a half-court with a single hoop.
Following the success of the programme last year, more than 9,000 pupils are now regularly playing 3v3 as a result of the tournament, as shown in the event’s 2025 Impact Report. Last year's popularity also inspired the launch of a first-of-its-kind Primary School programme for 2026 which culminated in a dramatic final at the University of East London's SportsDock last month.
In another step forwards, 2026 marks the introduction of a wheelchair basketball pathway, which will see four teams compete in the Finals.
In addition to the Finals, a third court at Trafalgar Square will host selected primary school pupils from across London, who will take part in coached 3v3 sessions led by the NBA London Coaches Programme.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events said: “The return of Jr. NBA 3v3 to Trafalgar Square is a huge moment for us. In just two years, the programme has doubled in size, inspiring thousands of young people across London to take up the fast-paced 3v3 game. Transforming such an iconic space into a festival of youth basketball shows just how strong the appetite for the sport has become."
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: "London is the undisputed sporting capital of the world and I'm delighted the Jr. NBA 3v3 Final is returning to Trafalgar Square for a second year.
"Sport has the power to bring communities together, boost confidence and inspire the next generation. It's fantastic that thousands of young Londoners have already taken part in this programme, helping more children and young people get active and discover a love of basketball."
Neal Meyer, NBA Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, Europe & Middle East said: “Hosting the Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals in the iconic Trafalgar Square once again speaks to the incredible momentum around basketball across London. The growth of this programme in just its second year, from expanding to primary schools to welcoming even more wheelchair basketball teams, reflects our commitment to making the game accessible to every young person.
“Together with London Marathon Events, the Mayor of London and our partners across the city, we’re proud to help more children experience the joy of 3v3 basketball and to showcase the next generation of talent against the backdrop of one of the capital’s most beloved landmarks.”
The Finals will be followed by NBA 3X, a fast-paced showcase featuring some of London’s top basketball content creators competing in a mixed elite 3v3 tournament in collaboration with Foot Locker. The event will also include a Dunk Showcase where creators will show off their best shots.
Confirmed team captains are social-media sensations DJ AG, Darkest Man, Harry Pinero, Elz the Witch and The Royal Guard.
Spectators can attend the whole day for free and enjoy a range of interactive fan experiences, including the Foot Locker “Dome Drop” challenge, an NBA arcade featuring pop-a-shot games and photo opportunities with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
An NBA team mascot will also make a special appearance, as excitement builds towards the NBA Manchester Game 2027 at Co-op Live, which will see the New Orleans Pelicans face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday 17 January.
Timings:
- 09:00 Trafalgar Square opens
- 09:40 boys’ competition begins
- 11:25 boys’ final on Court 2
- 11:55 girls’ competition begins
- 13:35 girls’ final on Court 2
- 17:00 DJ set by DJ AG
- 17:50 NBA 3X creator tournament
- 19:00 Dunk Show
- 19:45 event ends
Full list of school teams:
Girls' teams in the final: Waldegrave School (Twickenham), Harris Lowe Academy Willesden (Willesden), Brampton Manor Academy (East Ham), Westminster Academy (City of London), Riverside School (Haringey).
Boys' teams in the final: Turing House School (Richmond-upon-Thames), Queens Park Community School (Brent), St Bonaventure's (East Ham), Lilian Baylis Technology School (Kennington), Dagenham Park Church of England School (Dagenham).