The growth of basketball in the United Kingdom has taken a major step forward. The UK government and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have announced a joint investment of £10 million ($13.7 million) aimed at expanding recreational basketball opportunities across England.
The funding will support the construction of new courts and the creation of inclusive programs targeting women, girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities. Each side — the UK government and the NBA — will contribute £5 million, underlining their shared commitment to grassroots growth.
Toward an NBA-Affiliated European League
The announcement comes at a pivotal time. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has signaled that the league is exploring the launch of a pan-European basketball league, potentially starting in 2027 or 2028 in collaboration with FIBA.
As part of this broader push, the NBA has already committed to bringing more regular-season games to Europe. Over the next three seasons, fans will see at least six NBA games played on European soil, beginning with Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic in Berlin (January 15, 2026) and London (January 18, 2026). Manchester is also set to host a game in the 2026-27 season.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Silver at 10 Downing Street earlier this year, underscoring the UK’s ambition to make basketball a central part of its sports ecosystem. “Basketball is booming in Britain — and this investment will help take it to the next level,” Starmer said.
A Growing Fan Base
Basketball is already the second-most popular team sport among young people in England, according to government data. NBA fandom among UK adults has grown 24% over the past three years, signaling strong market potential.
For the NBA, this represents both a cultural and commercial opportunity. “We look forward to working more closely together in the years to come, including around the potential launch of a new pan-European league,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.
Why This Matters
This collaboration isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about positioning basketball as a mainstream sport in the UK. With a rising fan base, a growing youth pipeline, and the possibility of an NBA-affiliated European league, the foundation is being laid for basketball to challenge football’s dominance in certain markets.
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IMAGE: Basketball England
