Basketball Ireland announces return of Irish Jr.NBA League

Basketball Ireland is pleased to announce the return of the Irish Jr. NBA League presented by DeCare Dental, which will tip off in April 2023.

The league will follow the same format as previous years, with 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 will be responsible for delivering the Jr. NBA programme locally, before the Jr. NBA finals take place at the National Festival of Basketball, which will take place at the National Basketball Arena on May 23^rd.

Players participate in the 2022 Jr. NBA Finals day at the National Basketball Arena. 

Ciaran O’Sullivan, Basketball Ireland’s Head of Development, said: “We’re delighted with the return of the Jr. NBA partnership for 2023. This programme has been a huge success, which has allowed thousands of children the opportunity to play basketball, while being linked to one of the most recognised brands in the world.”

NBA Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe and Middle East Neal Meyer

added: “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Basketball Ireland who shares our commitment to creating positive and healthy experiences for youth throughout the country. We look forward to inspiring more boys and girls to play the game and learn the fundamentals and core values of basketball under the guidance of dedicated coaches.”

A coach during the 2022 Jr.NBA finals day at the National Basketball Arena. 

DeCare Dental, will be back once more as partner of the Irish Jr. NBA League, having extended their sponsorship for two years. Maureen Walsh, CEO of DeCare Dental said: “As corporate partner, DeCare is thrilled to team up with Basketball Ireland and the Jr. NBA once more on this important journey. This collaboration is a meaningful way to support the values that sport, such as basketball, instils in children for life. We have been aligned with Basketball Ireland and the Jr. NBA for a number of years, where we have already experienced the teamwork, fun, overall health and quality of life benefits that this partnership brings about.”

DeCare Dental were on site on the day. 

Jason Killeen, League manager for Jr. NBA in Ireland, added: “It is fantastic to have DeCare Dental involved with the Jr. NBA again this year. DeCare have been a stalwart since the beginning of the Jr. NBA partnership and have actively promoted health and wellbeing for the thousands of children who have taken part in this exciting programme.”

Basketball Ireland is inviting clubs who wish to take part in this year’s Jr. NBA event to email jrnba@ireland.basketball.

The deadline to apply is 1700 Friday 24^th February and priority will be given to clubs who have not participated before, however all clubs are invited to submit their interest.

The Jr. NBA is the league’s global youth basketball programme for boys and girls, teaching the fundamental skills and core values of the game – teamwork, respect, determination and community – at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. During the 2022-23 season, the Jr. NBA will run 111 leagues in Europe and the Middle East that will collectively reach nearly 50,000 youth in 28 countries.