Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals makes history as first basketball competition to be held in Trafalgar Square
The Finals of Jr. NBA 3v3, London’s groundbreaking new basketball competition, will be held on Trafalgar Square – bringing a basketball tournament to the world-famous location for the first time in its history.
On the day finalists from 10 schools across London, as well as three wheelchair basketball clubs, will go head-to-head in boys', girls' and mixed categories, qualifying from a starting pool of 315 teams.
The tournament, which is the flagship event of a wider programme aimed at increasing basketball activity in primary and secondary schools, is organised by London Marathon Events (LME) in collaboration with the NBA and is supported by the Mayor of London.
The Finals are the culmination of a tournament that began in January and features qualifying events and Area Finals before the Finals in Trafalgar Square.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “Trafalgar Square is one of London's most iconic locations and it is so exciting that the Finals of Jr. NBA 3v3 will be the first basketball tournament ever to be held there. We want to get more children and young people to play basketball and Trafalgar Square will be a stunning location for the finalists to showcase their skills. It will provide an opportunity for thousands of people to watch the action and for schoolchildren to have a go at playing the game themselves.”
Neal Meyer, NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe & Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to announce the location of the Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals in June, in collaboration with LME, and want to thank the Mayor of London for supplying such an inspiring backdrop for the culmination of the tournament where participants, their families and visitors alike can expect a great atmosphere and an authentic NBA experience.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and Trafalgar Square is the perfect venue to stage the inaugural Finals of Jr. NBA 3v3.
“I am proud to support this innovative collaboration between London Marathon Events and the NBA, which I hope inspires more young people to play basketball in schools across the capital.
“The competition builds on the work of the new basketball taskforce I have created to grow the game and create positive opportunities for young people as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”
Fans and visitors can watch the action, taking place on two of the three basketball courts, on courtside seating or on the big screens in Trafalgar Square on Friday 6 June.
The third court will be used for 3v3 basketball coaching from the NBA for primary schoolchildren. Up to 20 children per school from all the London primary schools that have downloaded NBA in the Classroom resources will have the opportunity to attend the tournament and join these expert coaching sessions.
For the chance to be involved, London primary schools can download the Jr. NBA 3v3 resources on the NBA in the Classroom website.