Young people shooting hoops for the Jr. NBA 3v3 launch

Media resources

Overview

Join us in making basketball more accessible and fun for everyone!

Jr. NBA 3v3 is a new basketball programme, organised by London Marathon Events (LME) and the NBA, to inspire activity and participation in basketball among children and young people in London schools. 

The first-of-its-kind programme invites secondary schools to compete in a thrilling new tournament set in the heart of London. Meanwhile, primary school children can dive into the fast-paced, smaller-format version of the game, with access to NBA in the Classroom. This includes a treasure trove of resources and teaching materials to enhance their learning experience.

Read about the launch event

Jr. NBA 3v3

A free tournament for London secondary schools (Years 9-11, ages 13-16), featuring knock-out rounds and a thrilling Finals event in June at Trafalgar Square. Boys and Girls teams will compete to become London's first Jr. NBA 3v3 champions.
Explore Jr. NBA 3v3
Mock up of Finals event at Trafalgar Square
How to play

3v3 is enjoying a boom in popularity

3v3 is enjoying a boom in popularity following the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 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. The format was prioritised because it is easier to introduce in schools, particularly those in inner-city areas. 

Get to know supercoach Lisa Williams

NBA in the Classroom

London schools can access free, NBA-themed educational materials focusing on career development, financial management, mental wellbeing, and physical education. The resources also include guidance on setting up 3v3 courts as well as 3v3 coaching instructions for teachers emphasising inclusive best practices for teaching the game to all participants.
Explore resources
Children at the Jr. NBA 3v3 launch

Essential facts & stats

  • Basketball England data shows that 1.18 million people under the age of 16 currently play basketball at least once a week. 
  • The 3v3 version of basketball was hugely popular at the Paris Olympic Games where it made its debut as an Olympic sport. 
  • The Mayor of London is determined to grow the game of basketball in the UK and created the Mayor’s London basketball Taskforce in 2024, which includes hosting world-class basketball events, including in 3v3, and developing grassroots opportunities for young people.
  • In December 2024, the British Basketball Federation was allocated almost £3 million by UK Sport ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. The award is supplemented by Sport England’s announcement of an additional £1.55 million, channelled through Basketball England, aimed primarily at boosting GB’s performance in the 3v3 form of the game. 

Our supporting partners 

Jr. NBA 3v3: Brought to life by LME and the NBA, with support from the Greater London Authority. The programme is also backed by these amazing organisations: