Jr. NBA League returns for 2024

Basketball Ireland is pleased to announce that the Irish Jr. NBA League is returning for the third successive year in 2024.

The league will follow the traditional format of ten clubs being selected to partner with local schools. Each team is then assigned an NBA team for the season and participants receive corresponding NBA team-branded jerseys. Clubs are responsible for delivering the Jr. NBA programme ahead of the Jr. NBA National Festival of Basketball, which will take place at the National Basketball Arena on May 22^nd.

Ciaran O’Sullivan, Basketball Ireland’s Head of Development said: “I’m thrilled that the Jr. NBA partnership is continuing in 2024. It’s incredibly popular with participants and has been a huge success in bringing basketball to new areas, giving children across Ireland the chance to engage with our sport, while being linked to one of the most highly visible and recognisable brands in the world.”

Jr. NBA Participants get advice and ask questions of Jr. NBA representative Dalibor Bagaric. 

“We’re excited to continue growing basketball through the Jr. NBA programme in Ireland in collaboration with Basketball Ireland as part of our ongoing commitment to providing youth with more opportunities to learn and play the game,” said NBA EME Vice President, Basketball Operations Neal Meyer.  “This programme provides a platform where boys and girls learn the game and hone their skills under the guidance of expert coaches as we work with the federation to develop the next generation of players in Ireland” 

Jason Killeen, League Manager for Jr. NBA in Ireland, added: “Last year’s event was incredibly successful in introducing the fundamentals and core values of basketball to a new generation of players in Ireland. It’s fantastic to be able to continue our partnership with the Jr. NBA team and I’m excited to see the project rolled out to another fresh group of children in 2024.” 

Basketball Ireland would like to invite clubs who wish to take part in this year’s Jr. NBA event to email jrnba@ireland.basketball. The deadline to apply is 1700 on Friday, 15^th March and priority will be given to clubs who have not participated before, though all clubs are invited to submit their interest.