The London Lions are moving forward with an ambitious plan to build a permanent, world-class home for basketball in London. After completing an initial study, the project has been confirmed as a viable and exciting opportunity that could significantly raise the profile of the sport in the United Kingdom.
This development is a major milestone for the team and for British basketball. The new venue is designed to be more than just a place to play games; it aims to become a central hub for sports and culture in the capital. The project’s progress signals strong confidence in basketball’s rising popularity and its potential to create lasting community benefits.
🏟️ A New Home for Basketball in London
The plan involves building a modern, multi-purpose complex. The main arena is designed to have a capacity of at least 15,000 seats, making it suitable for hosting the London Lions’ home games as well as major international basketball events. In addition, the project includes a smaller 3,500-seat community arena. This secondary venue will serve as the home for the London Lions women’s team, a training facility, and a dedicated space for developing local talent.
💰 More Than Just a Game
The impact of this new arena is expected to go far beyond the court. An independent analysis projects that the development could generate an economic impact of over £3.4 billion over 13 years and create around 10,000 jobs. The main arena is planned to be a busy venue year-round, hosting about 40 basketball games and more than 100 other sports and cultural performances annually. This ensures the facility will be a sustainable and vibrant part of the city.
✅ Strong Support for the Vision
The project has received strong backing from key figures, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who called it an “ambitious vision” that will boost the economy and create opportunities for young people. The London Lions’ ownership group, Tesonet, has also reaffirmed its commitment, noting its significant investment of nearly eight million euros per season. Co-founder Tomas Okmanas stated this is just the beginning of a shared vision to build a lasting basketball legacy in London.
📈 Basketball’s Popularity is Surging in the UK
This arena plan comes at a time when basketball is experiencing huge growth in England. The sport is now the second most popular team sport in the country. The excitement is further fueled by the return of the NBA to London in 2026, featuring a game between the Grizzlies and the Magic. Additionally, the UK Government and the NBA have announced a joint £10 million investment to support grassroots basketball, helping to nurture the next generation of players.
