"Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the UK"
Basketball in the UK is on the cusp of a major breakthrough.
Once overshadowed by the country’s football obsession, it has grown into the second-most-popular team sport among young people.
Its reach now spans schools, universities, and local communities, connecting diverse groups while promoting physical activity and inclusion.
The NBA, as one of the world’s most recognisable sporting brands, has played a central role in raising basketball’s profile.
Fandom among UK adults has surged by 24% since 2022, and it remains the top US sports league for Gen Z in the country.
With government-backed investment and high-profile NBA events on the horizon, basketball in the UK is moving beyond being a niche sport to becoming a fixture of national sporting culture.
The new initiatives promise to build infrastructure, grow participation, and create pathways to elite competition.
Grassroot Investment
At the heart of the UK Government and NBA’s plan is a commitment to grassroots basketball.
The UK Government’s Community Sport Facilities Programme will receive £400 million over four years, with £5 million earmarked in its first year for basketball and basketball-led multi-sport facilities.
This marks a departure from the programme’s traditional football focus, signalling recognition of basketball’s rising popularity and cultural impact.
The NBA is contributing a matching £5 million through 2028 to expand its existing programmes, which already engage more than 50,000 young people annually.
These initiatives aim to provide training, mentorship, and fan engagement opportunities across the UK.
Investment will prioritise inclusivity, supporting women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities.
Multi-use courts will allow participation in basketball alongside other sports, ensuring facilities serve a wide spectrum of the population.
By funding infrastructure, programming, and community access, these measures seek to embed basketball into everyday life.
They also align with broader government priorities around health and activity, demonstrating sport’s potential to drive social benefits alongside competitive success.
The focus on underrepresented demographics ensures basketball can become more reflective of modern Britain’s diversity.
NBA Games Return to the UK
The NBA’s return to UK arenas is set to generate excitement at the highest level.
London will host a regular-season game in January 2026, while Manchester will welcome its first-ever NBA match in 2027.
These fixtures are the league’s first UK games since 2019 and could deliver over £100 million in economic impact through ticketing, tourism, and related spending.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the UK and provides a powerful way to bring communities together and get active.
“With the NBA’s support, we’ll grow participation and break down barriers so everyone can access this incredible sport, keeping communities healthy and inspiring the next generation.
“With the NBA returning to the UK in January, there’s never been a better time to invest in the sport and turn young people’s hoop dreams into reality.”
High-profile games offer more than financial benefits.
They connect British fans directly to the global basketball stage, inspire young athletes, and elevate the sport’s profile outside London.
Manchester hosting a regular-season NBA game highlights the potential to decentralise elite basketball experiences across the country.
Discussions are already underway regarding additional games, signalling that the NBA intends to establish the UK as a recurring destination for top-level competition.
The presence of elite fixtures also encourages local clubs and communities to raise standards, creating a ripple effect from the professional level to grassroots programmes.
A European Future
In July 2025, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to explore opportunities around a new professional European league.
Such a project could provide significant growth for basketball in the UK, particularly in London and Manchester.
It would create pathways for British players to reach elite competition, while attracting international talent and investment.
A European league backed by the NBA could strengthen the sport’s infrastructure, sponsorship, and visibility.
It would also deepen the socio-economic impact of basketball, building on the cultural ties between the UK and the United States.
The potential for a domestic link to a European league positions the UK not only as a host for NBA events but as a hub for basketball development in Europe.
This forward-looking strategy combines grassroots growth, elite exposure, and long-term investment to ensure the sport thrives at all levels.
Starmer said: “Basketball is booming in Britain and this investment will help take it to the next level, opening up the game to thousands more people right across the country.
“This is about more than sport; it’s about community, inclusion and inspiring the next generation to find their spark.”
“I’m proud that the UK is teaming up with one of the world’s most iconic sporting brands to deliver real change for our people and our communities.”
Basketball’s momentum in the UK is gaining real structure.
Government funding, NBA investment, high-profile games, and grassroots programmes are creating a clear pathway for growth.
By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, these initiatives will reach communities that have historically had limited opportunities in mainstream sport.
Alongside elite exposure and potential European league links, basketball is set to establish itself as a key part of the British sporting landscape.
This partnership demonstrates how strategic investment and international collaboration can transform a sport, creating cultural, social, and economic benefits that extend far beyond the court.
Loading ...