The next generation of basketball stars took centre stage at Trafalgar Square today as the curtain came down on the historic Jr. NBA 3v3 tournament.
Schools and pupils from across London travelled to the heart of the capital to do battle in the first-ever basketball competition to be hosted at Trafalgar Square.
The space was transformed with three courts providing all-day action, featuring boys’ and girls’ competitions, wheelchair basketball coaching and skills sessions and 3v3 coaching for primary school children. The tournament also welcomed thousands of spectators and visitors throughout the day, taking their spots in the courtside seating or enjoying the basketball entertainment and activities.
The best images from the day are available here.
Jr. NBA 3v3, operated by London Marathon Events (LME), was announced earlier in 2025 as a new collaboration between the NBA and LME, with the ambition to increase participation in basketball across the capital, culminating in the showpiece finals.
The fight for the title of champions came down to the final 10 teams, with nine London boroughs represented in a show of strength across the capital.
In the boys’ competition, Drayton Manor High School, based in Ealing, came out on top against Beths Grammar School, in Bexley, to be presented with their winners’ rings. Coach Jamie Black said the occasion was one that will live long in the memory.
He added: “I am blown away and am so proud for the boys to make it to the finals, let alone win. When they are my age, they can look back and say, ‘Not only did we play at Trafalgar Square, but we won’. It is an amazing story to tell their families.”
The boys’ and girls’ competitions were fiercely contested throughout the day in front of large crowds
On the girls’ side, it was Glenthorne High School, based in Ealing, who triumphed against Lilian Baylis Technology School, in Lambeth, to take home their winning rings. The best images from the day are available here.
Coach Dave Castle said of his winning team: “It was an amazing performance by a great bunch of girls. You only have to step foot in the space to know how special it is and I hope some girls watching on were inspired to get involved in the future.”
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “Inspiring more people to be active is at the heart of everything we do at London Marathon Events, and hosting the first-ever basketball tournament in Trafalgar Square was a landmark moment. Seeing the square come alive with energy and talent during the Jr. NBA 3v3 Finals was a powerful reminder of basketball’s growing impact in the UK and, through our collaboration with the NBA, this is another big step in giving more children and young people access to the game. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to build on this momentum even further in the years ahead.”
