Basketball’s rising popularity sees booming children’s programme Jr. NBA 3v3 expand in London
London’s biggest schools' basketball programme, Jr. NBA 3v3, has today announced an exciting expansion of the tournament this year in the week the NBA London Game 2026 lights up the capital.
As excitement builds for the regular-season game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic at The O2 this weekend (17:00 GMT on Sunday 18 January), the NBA and London Marathon Events (LME)have announced that primary schools will have their own Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament this year, open to pupils in Years 5 and 6.
Jr. NBA 3v3 was launched in 2025 by the NBA, in collaboration with LME, to get more children playing 3v3 basketball in London’s primary and secondary schools.
The fast-paced, half-court set-up made a huge impact, with 174 schools across the capital taking part, culminating in its inaugural Finals event at Trafalgar Square – the first time the iconic landmark has hosted a competitive basketball event.
Neal Meyer, NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe & Middle East, said: “Participation in a dynamic team sport like basketball from a young age has a host of physical and social-emotional benefits, so we are thrilled to expand the Jr. NBA 3v3 programme in London, working alongside LME and with the support of the Mayor of London, to involve even more young people across the capital.”
Jr. NBA 3v3 is a different version of the all-star NBA match and capitalises on the surge in popularity of basketball – the second most played team sport in the UK.
Lasting just 10 minutes, the 3v3 format of the game makes it easier for more children to play. It is played with three team members (from a squad of six) on court at any one time and the court is smaller, using onehoop.
In 2026, primary schools will for the first time have access to a similar pathway, with children in Years 5 and 6 invited to compete in mixed category (boys and girls) borough competitions.
They will be playing for the chance to progress to the Area Finals, where teams will battle it out for a place in the overall Finals, which will be held on Friday 5 June at a London venue yet to be revealed.
Entries for the primary and secondary school pathways are now open, and will close on Friday 30 January. The competition is free to enter.
The expansion of Jr. NBA 3v3, which is supported by the Mayor of London’s Office and the London Youth Games, comes following the success of the programme in its first year.
The Jr. NBA 3v3 Impact Report, released today, shows how children across London have benefitted from the initiative. Headline statistics include:
- One in three London secondary schools (174) took part in Jr. NBA 3v3 in 2025
- A team from every London borough was represented in the pathway
- A total of 31% of participating schools were from the most disadvantaged areas (Index of Multiple Deprivation 1-3)
- Six months after the 2025 programme concluded, 15 participating secondary schools were surveyed to gauge its impact and multiple schools had created new weekly basketball clubs
- More than 600 teenage girls participated in the NBA coaching initiative ‘Her Time To Play’ in December 2025, which focuses on female empowerment and creating opportunities for women in sports and leadership.
Read the full impact report.
Hugh Brasher, CEO at London Marathon Events, said: "Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports among young people, as the excitement around the NBA London Game this weekend shows. The Jr. NBA 3v3 programme is a true game-changer, giving children across the capital the chance to compete, develop their skills, and showcase their talent as part of an organised competition. The first year revealed just how much ability exists in London, and this pathway could well be the launchpad for the city’s next NBA or WNBA star.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I am delighted that London’s biggest schools' basketball programme, Jr. NBA 3v3, will be expanding this year – building on the work of the basketball taskforce I created to grow the game and create positive opportunities for young people.
“This innovative programme between London Marathon Events and the NBA reached almost 200 London secondary schools last year and it is fitting that this announcement comes ahead of the return of the NBA London Game this month, which will provide a further boost for basketball in the capital, as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”
This week primary schools across London can attend coaching clinics at CitySport, while the winners and runners up of the 2025 tournament will display their talent at NBA House, at Magazine London, on Friday 16 January.
The pupils from Drayton Manor High School (Ealing), Beths Grammar School (Bexley), Glenthorne High School (Sutton), and Lilian Baylis Technology School (Lambeth) will play at the three-day interactive fan event featuring basketball activities and competitions, guest appearances from NBA legends, coaching clinics and more.
Free tickets are available by creating an NBA ID on the NBA website. NBA House will be open from 12:00 to 20:00 on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January.