The new court, which is travelling along the river from Woolwich to The Houses of Parliament, will kick off a three-day celebration of basketball in the capital.
Upon its docking at Butler’s Wharf, the court will play host to an opening ceremony featuring rap powerhouse AJ Tracey, honouring the long-standing connection between basketball and hip hop, and the sport’s influence on UK culture. The West London born rapper and global star will take to the court for an exclusive live performance at 7.30pm BST, broadcast to fans worldwide - watch HERE.
“It’s incredible getting NBA fans, like myself, to come together and celebrate the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season this year. Moments like this really put London’s love of the game on the map, and with the ongoing support from Hennessy, I’m excited to see the impact it has on basketball in the UK and the communities it’s giving back to.”
#HennessyXNBA 👀 pic.twitter.com/Usze6D659i
— Cameron McLay (@cameron_mclay) June 9, 2022
On Friday 10 June, the court will play host to a star-studded tournament, 'London’s Got Game', bringing together some of the capital’s biggest names and vital communities in street culture. Fans can follow the action online, which will be hosted by British professional basketball player, Ovie Soko.
On Saturday 11 June, the court opens to the public, as Hennessy invites the city's basketball fans ages 18+ to celebrate the NBA and play on the floating court at a free-to-attend event. Attendees will have the chance to take part in free throw challenges and learn trick shots from the pros, whilst enjoying one complimentary Hennessy cocktail plus street food and live DJs.
The activity, which celebrates London’s love of basketball, continues a long-term, global commitment from Hennessy to invest in the sport. Following court makeovers in Montreal, Johannasburg, Barbados and Hong Kong, the brand will be renovating one community court in the UK and working with a local British artist to reimagine what it looks like.
Fans can tune into AJ Tracey’s performance at 19.30 BST HERE
Tickets for Saturday 11 June available HERE
The London floating basketball court is the latest iteration of 'Courts Beyond Limits' - a globe travelling series from Hennessy and the NBA that unveils first-of-their kind basketball courts at iconic locations around the world. Courts Beyond Limits first premiered in Australia in May 2021 with a takeover of Bondi’s Icebergs Ocean Pool and was followed by pop-up courts in Lagos, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney.
The 2022 NBA Finals continue Friday, June 9 when the Boston Celtics host the Golden State Warriors for Game 4, live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena. The best-of-seven series is currently tied 2-1 in Boston's favour.
Please drink responsibly.
If you want to upgrade your local court, whether you are an individual, club, community organisation or local authority, we can help. New hoop or backboard, fresh line-markings or a full-scale art-court paint job, we can advise - from who to contact to fund-raising. See our Court Renovation guide.
