CitySport was proud to take centre stage as an official host venue for the NBA Berlin/London Series, welcoming the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic to London for a week-long programme that combined elite professional training with impactful community engagement.
From Monday 12th to Saturday 17th January 2026, CitySport served as the teams’ training base, reinforcing its reputation as one of London’s premier basketball venues. Chosen for its prime central location and one of the largest basketball courts in the city, the facility once again demonstrated its ability to meet NBA standards, having previously hosted Team USA practices ahead of their gold-medal success at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A major highlight of the week was the delivery of Junior NBA Clinics, running daily from 09:00–15:00, Monday to Friday. Led by NBA Development Coaches in partnership with Basketball England, the sessions gave young participants the opportunity to develop their skills, learn from elite coaching staff, and engage directly with the league.
One standout activity saw children designing and painting their own basketballs alongside NBA personnel and players, an initiative that blended sport, creativity, and hands-on interaction, and quickly became a favourite among attendees.
NBA-Standard Training and Media Access
On Friday evening and Saturday, CitySport transformed into a full NBA-standard training environment. The Saddlers Sports Hall was fully equipped with regulation shot clocks, scoreboards, and 3-point lines, while NBA operations and security teams were on site throughout.
Saturday also featured official media availability windows, with accredited press granted escorted access following security checks. Additional activations included an Art Activation workshop involving the Memphis Grizzlies and local young people, alongside the NBA Experiences Shootaround and Kids’ Clinic, offering families further opportunities to get involved.
On-Court Action at The O2 Arena
The week’s activities culminated at The O2 Arena, where the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic faced off in front of a packed London crowd. The Grizzlies delivered a commanding performance, maintaining a 20-point lead for much of the game and securing a 126–109 victory.
Looking Ahead
The event showcased the NBA’s continued commitment to growing the game across Europe, with a strong focus on youth development and community outreach. It also offered a rare behind-the-scenes insight into professional team preparation at the highest level.
CitySport is proud to have hosted this landmark NBA programme and looks forward to welcoming the league back in the future, with potential scope for further events and the full NBA set-up returning to London in 2028/2029.
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, CitySport also host the men's and women's Team USA basketball teams. Read out that here.