Grassroots basketball in the UK is set for a major boost after the Government and the NBA announced a joint £10 million investment package.
The deal, revealed during Donald Trump’s state visit to London, will see £5m from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport matched by £5m from the NBA.
Funding will be targeted at upgrading local facilities, training new coaches, and establishing community programmes across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Particular focus will be placed on expanding opportunities for women and girls and ensuring provision in underserved areas where access to sport is limited.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said the partnership was about “broadening opportunity in sport, opening up new pathways and giving more young people the chance to enjoy and excel at basketball.”
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum described the UK as “a priority market,” adding: “This investment will help us build stronger grassroots foundations and ensure basketball can thrive at every level.”
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Basketball is already one of the most popular sports among British teenagers, with high participation rates in cities and diverse communities.
Yet, it has historically lagged far behind football, cricket, and rugby in terms of funding.
Domestic leagues have struggled to attract sustained investment, and facilities are often outdated or unavailable.
Supporters believe this new injection could transform the landscape by giving more children proper courts, trained mentors, and a clear pathway from school sport through to professional competition.
Critics, however, warn that one-off funding is not enough, and that continued government support will be needed if Britain is ever to produce NBA-level talent consistently.
For now, though, the tie-up with one of the world’s biggest sports brands is being hailed as a rare slam dunk for UK basketball.
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