The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a £5 million investment into grassroots basketball in the UK, marking a significant step forward for the sport’s growth and development. The funding will run through 2028 and focus on youth development and fan engagement, building on existing NBA programmes that already reach more than 50,000 young people across the UK every year.
This commitment will be matched by a further £5 million investment from the UK Government, part of its £400m Community Sport Facilities Programme announced earlier this year.
NBA Funding Boosts Community Basketball
The announcement was made during the US State Visit and highlights the sport’s growing footprint in Britain. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously discussed the initiative in July, laying the groundwork for this landmark partnership.
Simon Hayes, Chief Executive of Basketball England, hailed the investment as a major milestone:
“We welcome this exciting investment into basketball in England. The support of an organisation with the power and prestige of the NBA will have a huge influence, helping more people enjoy the benefits of playing the sport.”
Growing Popularity in the UK
Basketball is already one of the most popular team sports in the UK, particularly thriving in inner-city communities where access to facilities is often limited. Following the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, participation among young people has grown significantly.
Hayes said the NBA partnership will accelerate this momentum:
“Today’s announcement will build on this progress, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure this funding has the biggest possible impact.”
Government and NBA Partnership for Sport Development
The government’s funding commitment, included in the first year of the Community Sport Facilities Programme, will be directed toward building and upgrading basketball courts and basketball-led multi-sport facilities across the UK.
The combined £10 million investment represents a strong signal of intent to raise the profile of basketball nationwide and create opportunities for future generations of players and fans.
Basketball’s International Growth and Local Impact
Globally, the NBA has invested heavily in grassroots programmes to broaden its fan base and talent pool, with the UK now set to benefit from this global expansion strategy. Locally, the funding could have a transformative impact, particularly in underserved communities where basketball is a vital outlet for young people.
With international attention and government backing, the latest investment points to a bright future for UK basketball, both on and off the court.
