Welcome to the league! Is your school part of Jr. NBA?
What is the Jr. NBA League?
The Jr. NBA League was created for 11-13-year-old (Year 7 and Year 8) boys and girls to play basketball and represent one of the 30 NBA teams. The league is organised and operated by Basketball England in partnership with the NBA.
Alongside this, Basketball England also delivers the Jr. WNBA, a girls-only schools competition for the same age group, following the same concept but with teams representing WNBA franchises.
Our objective is to leverage the excitement of the NBA and WNBA to inspire more children to get involved in basketball through a fun and positive experience with the sport. The league also aims to promote NBA/WNBA values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude, respect and healthy living through league games and other activities and events.
From being the first Jr. NBA league globally, 20 leagues now span all regions in England, including opportunities to play in leagues at years 7 and 8 in the East of England, East Midlands, North West, North East, Yorkshire, London, South East, South West and the West Midlands. There are also six dedicated girls-only Jr. WNBA leagues for years 7 and 8.
With over 700 schools and more than 10,000 children involved each season, it's one of the largest Jr. NBA programmes in the world!
How it works
Within each Jr. NBA league, schools are drafted to one of the NBA teams and split into six localised divisions across East and West Conferences, just like the NBA.
Each school plays eight regular-season games in four triangular fixtures against the schools in its division.
At the end of the regular season, the top eight schools in each conference proceed to the playoffs for two knockout rounds, with the final four schools in each league playing in the Jr. NBA Finals to be crowned league Champions and take home Championship Rings.
Each school will receive a match ball and Jr. NBA Basketball England kit of their NBA team, ready to represent their franchise!
The Jr. WNBA follows a similar format, with girls-only school teams representing WNBA franchises and receiving Jr. WNBA Basketball England kit of their WNBA team.
Get involved
As one season wraps up, it’s time to look ahead. Expressions of Interest open each year in late spring/summer for the next season of the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA, with placements typically confirmed late September.
There are two separate EOI forms:
- Returning Schools – If you took part last season, please complete the returning school form, which includes a short feedback section to help us keep improving the programme.
- New Schools – If this will be your first time entering the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA, or you didn't take part last season, please use the new school form.
As always, the EOI lets us know you're interested in being part of the league. Submissions are considered based on geography and available capacity, as we group schools into local clusters.
If the EOI window is closed, you can still submit an expression of interest and we will do our best to accommodate requests where spaces become available.
We are a new school to Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA
We will always try our best to accommodate as many requests as possible. Where leagues are oversubscribed, returning schools that completed a high percentage of fixtures and submitted waiver returns in the previous season may be given priority in placements, where possible.
If you know of local schools that would love to get involved, please do share this with them, especially if they’re new to the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA!
Jr. NBA & Jr. WNBA League Briefing Pack
Jr. NBA Regular Season and Playoff Schedule
Jr. WNBA Regular Season and Playoff Schedule
Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Match Rules
Frequently asked questions
How do we arrange fixtures?
Schools are responsible for arranging fixtures directly with other schools in their league. Contact details are provided after registration, and games can be scheduled at mutually convenient times within the competition window.
Do we have to follow the fixture schedule exactly?
No. Fixture schedules are provided as a guide, but schools can rearrange games where needed. The priority is that all fixtures are completed by the deadline.
How do we submit results?
All results must be submitted using the official online results form. Registered schools will receive the link and instructions. Please note: results cannot be submitted via email.
Do players need to register individually?
Yes. All players must complete the competition waiver by registering individually by a parent or guardian via the online system. Schools cannot complete this process on behalf of their players.
When will we receive our kit?
Official Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA kit packs are typically delivered before the first round of fixtures. Deliveries may arrive via school reception and can sometimes be split across multiple parcels.
Can we still take part if we start late?
Entry to the competition closes before the season begins. Late entries are not usually possible once leagues are underway, however interested schools should complete the expression of interest form and we may be in contact if a space opens up within your area.
Where can I view fixtures and league tables?
Fixtures and standings are available via the links in the Related Resources section on this page.
