The London Lions Basketball Club has announced its ambition to develop a world-class, purpose-built basketball stadium in the capital.
A new state-of-the-art venue would serve as the long-term home for elite basketball in London and provide a platform for top-tier competition while fostering grassroots development and expanding access to the sport for communities across the city.
The proposals include plans to create a cutting-edge training and game-day environment for elite athletes, including the London Lions men’s and women’s teams.
The venue would serve as a hub for youth programmes, community engagement initiatives and talent development, ensuring that basketball continues to grow at all levels in the capital. It would also play a part in the mayor’s commitment for greener spaces and reach aspirations towards sustainable building.
With the Lions aiming to re-enter top European competition and the mayor’s desire to bring more NBA games and activities to the capital, a new stadium would put London in a prime position, helping to make the city a premier global destination for basketball.
The plans follow a recent commitment from the mayor to set up a first-of-its-kind basketball taskforce to grow the game in London and come after new figures showed more than 1.5 million people play basketball weekly across the UK, making it the country’s second most popular team sport.
The mayor has welcomed the plans, which are aligned with his taskforce and wider ambitions for the development of basketball London. City Hall are working alongside the Lions and providing technical expertise to identify a site and support the club.
Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonent, London Lions owner, said: “London Lions has the potential to build a basketball stronghold in Europe, powered by incredible local talent and strong ties to a rapidly growing fan community. The Lions have the appetite to compete – and win – against the best in Europe, and we are thrilled to support them on this journey.
“Such ambitions and goals require a dedicated top-tier venue. Today we are announcing our intention to build a fitting new home for the Lions to usher in a bright new era for the club and the city.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan: “London is now the sporting capital of the world and I am thrilled to support the London Lions as they pursue their ambitious vision to establish a state-of-the-art basketball facility in our city.
“This venue can be a major new hub for basketball in the capital, creating positive opportunities for young people, attracting new fans to the sport and hosting more events which would provide a significant boost to the economy.
“We are dedicated to helping the London Lions secure their long-term home as we work together to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
