The Best Basketball Experiences in London
The sport of basketball has remained a worldwide phenomenon that has continued to attract a mass sum of audiences from around the world. Many international fans now desire to participate in the sport, regardless of their prior experience or initial interest.
Given that basketball is one of the most widely covered and frequently played sports in the world, many audiences from a variety of countries have since taken up the enjoyment of watching or even playing a game of basketball. This includes the ever-sporadic city of London, whose basketball interest continues to skyrocket.
There is a growing fanbase within London as many more UK-based fans continue to stay up into the late hours of the evening to tune into various contests from around the world, which includes NBA fans who have their own choice of teams to root for while browsing the latest NBA odds on DraftKings.
Overall, London is a sprawling market that is seemingly packed with basketball interest. Some of the main reasons for this sudden peak of interest likely include the diversity that the sport has highlighted over the years, as many figureheads have encouraged individuals of different backgrounds to partake in the sport, as well as how action-packed and fast-paced the sport is as a whole, which caters to the interests of many neutral fans.
When it comes to London, there are numerous hotspots primed for basketball fans’ interest, and these are some of the best that the city has to offer.
- Copper Box Arena:
Situated in East London stands the Copper Box Arena, which is home to the BBL’s (British Basketball League) London Lions. The Lions are one of the most popular and successful teams in the league.
Since moving to the capital in 2013, the Lions have enjoyed an incredibly successful tenure. They have won three BBL Championships, multiple BBL Cups, and Playoff victories.
With the BBL quickly gaining traction as one of basketball’s most promising leagues thanks to its exciting encounters and unprecedented outcomes, watching the Lions is undoubtedly one of the best experiences that the city of London brings to the sport of basketball.
Lions fans are amongst the loudest and most passionate in the BBL, with the team still harvesting tremendous talent that can make for a remarkable experience when trekking over to catch a game and the superb entertainment and hospitality that is included.
- Playfit:
For anyone actively searching for a spot to play basketball for any potential tournaments or a friendly pick-up game, the Playfit sports club in Wimbledon is a welcoming spot for all basketball players to lace up their kicks and hit the courts.
Playfit offers a variety of services to all different types of players. Leagues and tournaments are available for more seasoned players to test their skills, while sessions are also provided for newcomers and developing players who are aiming to elevate their game to the next level.
Playfit aims to encourage more players to play basketball no matter their skill level or expertise. It also highlights that anyone can have fun, meet new friendly faces, and stay healthy and active.
- Colombo Centre:
If you find yourself in Southwark, the Colombo Centre offers sports fans and fitness enthusiasts a chance to book courts and classes for a variety of different sports. The center also regularly offers visitors the chance to book their outdoor basketball court.
While the court is mainly used for netball league events and regular practice sessions, customers can book the court for basketball games for £33 per hour between the peak and off-peak times from 12 pm to 5 pm during the week and on weekends. This means players can enjoy some fun pick-up ball whilst out in the usually mild to warm weather that South London often provides, particularly in the Spring and Summer months.
- Finsbury Leisure Centre:
The Finsbury Leisure Centre, situated a short walk from Old Street Station, offers customers all the best qualities that a sports and leisure center can provide. It includes four outdoor football pitches, four squash courts, and a six-court multi-sports hall, which includes several indoor basketball courts that are available to rent.
Should you be interested in booking out any of these courts, then they are available via the selected leisure center’s website and reception for a set price, with visitors being able to set up a variety of hoop contests at their local sports center as a way to stay healthy and socialize with friends, family or even other members of the center who enjoy playing the entertaining sport of basketball.