NBA launches series of free basketball events to mark return to London

Lorraine Francisco, 09 October 2008

A replica National Basketball Association (NBA) court will be erected outside the National Theatre to host a series of free interactive events to celebrate the return of NBA Europe Live to London.

From 10 - 12 October the NBA Central Court will feature NBA players showcasing their skills, a children's basketball clinic, wheelchair basketball games, and press events.

An official game takes place between the New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat on 12 October at the O2.

The event organisers have worked closely with Events for London, a partnership comprising Visit London, the Greater London Authority, and the London Development Agency, on the project.

"The NBA Central Court will allow even more fans to interact with NBA players and with basketball as a sport." said
NBA EMEA vice president Sophie Goldschmidt. "London and the UK in general is an incredibly important destination to NBA as it's a key audience for us. London has a real interest in sport and passion for basketball which is increasing."

NBA Europe Live presented by EA Sports first took place at the O2 last October.