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

Media resources

Overview

Join us in making 3v3 basketball more accessible and fun for everyone

Launched in 2025, the Jr. NBA 3v3 programme is a new initiative from London Marathon Events and the NBA designed to inspire activity and grow participation in 3v3 basketball across London schools. The free tournament is open to London secondary schools (Years 9–11, ages 13–16) and features a series of knock‑out rounds leading to a Finals event in July at Trafalgar Square.

In 2026, the programme will expand to include primary schools (Years 5–6, ages 10–11), giving younger players a knock-out pathway, from borough to area before a Finals in Central London in June.

Entries are open

3v3 is booming

Basketball is the second most popular team sport in the country, with the fast-paced 3v3 format 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.
See what the game involves
Basketballers in action in the Finals at Trafalgar Square
2025 overview

Jr. NBA Grand Finals

Girls Winners: Congratulations to Glenthorne High School, from Sutton, who beat Lilian Baylis Technology School, in Lambeth.

Boys Winners: Congratulations to Drayton Manor High School, based in Ealing who defeated Beths Grammar School, from Bexley.

Read the match report

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: