With all the bad luck we’ve faced in sports recently, perhaps saving our graces for a sport from across the pond is the best way forward. Basketball may be an American sport, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular sport across the capital, as well as the country at large.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) will be celebrating this in full force, slam-ducking to Clapham Common for a pop-up tournament throughout the weekend (Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21). Entitled NBA 3X, 3-on-3 tournaments consisting of 72 men’s and women’s teams will be playing at the iconic London park’s basketball courts.
Beyond the tournament, there will also be plenty of fun for fans to experience, with a wide-range of activities to enjoy across the Common. Take part in a three-point contest and a dunking competition, or you can just watch the tournament if you’re more of a spectator.
Speaking of the tournament, winners of the men’s and women’s 18+ category will be awarded tickets, travel and accommodation to a future preseason or regular-season NBA game in Europe or the Middle East, so the stakes are high peeps! There will also be a tournament for players that are 16-18.
NBA Europe and Middle East Vice President, Dina Ahmad said in a statement: “We’re excited to bring NBA 3X back to London’s vibrant basketball community with the support of Gatorade and Tissot”
“We look forward to offering fans from across the capital and beyond the opportunity to enjoy this dynamic 3-on-3 tournament with friends and family.”
So, be sure to head to Clapham Common this Saturday and Sunday if you’re a fan of basketball, as a whole weekend of bonkers b-ball fun awaits. To get you in the mood, head to the NBA Store located on Oxford Street, which opened in April.
This newly-opened store is three-floors, featuring nearly 9,000 square foot of interactive retail and community space. It boasts the largest range of officially licensed NBA merchandise for youth and adults ever available in the UK, making it a great option to grab some swag before the tournament.
The tournament will be taking place on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at Clapham Common. For more information on NBA 3X, click here. If you’re looking to play some b-ball yourself, check out a unique rooftop option by clicking here or the link below.