A pop-up 3×3 basketball court in Paternoster Square has opened to strong turnout, as the Central London Alliance's London Sports Festival launched its latest sporting activation in partnership with Basketball England.

Set against the backdrop of St Paul's Cathedral, the temporary court has turned Paternoster Square into a hub for sport and community engagement, drawing office workers, local residents, tourists, and aspiring basketball players to experience one of the world's fastest-growing urban sports. Hundreds of participants and spectators attended the opening day. The activation is among the latest examples of efforts to animate the City of London's public realm with leisure and cultural programming, a strategy that has gained momentum as the Square Mile seeks to sustain footfall and vibrancy beyond traditional office hours.

The launch event, led by Basketball England, highlighted the accessibility of 3×3 basketball through complimentary coaching, skills drills, and open sessions designed for participants of all ages and ability levels. The sport's compact format — played on a half-court with three players per side — has contributed to its rapid global growth, culminating in its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games and continued inclusion on the programme for future Olympiads.

Building on the King's Baton Relay Celebration

The activation follows the success of the King's Baton Relay celebration held in May, when Team England's King's Baton arrived at the City of London and was placed on the same Paternoster Square court. Thousands attended that earlier event to celebrate the Commonwealth Games and take part in a day of free basketball activities.

During the current activation, a large screen beside the court is broadcasting Commonwealth Games coverage, including the 3×3 basketball competition featuring many of the same athletes who inspired participants during the Baton Relay festivities.

An 18-Day Programme of Inclusive Basketball

Running for 18 days, the programme offers what organizers describe as one of London's most varied basketball schedules, catering to everyone from first-time players to experienced competitors. Key highlights include:

• Free 3×3 basketball taster session — Friday 24 July, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
• Sunrise Basketball Session — Saturday morning, fully booked shortly after release
• Free junior coaching with renowned coach Alex Ducasse — Sunday 26 July, alongside Basketball England's Slam Jam family basketball sessions
• Free wheelchair basketball tasters — Tuesday 28 July, delivered by the London Titans
• Dedicated SEND sessions — powered by the London Basketball Association, plus women-only and Muslim women's groups run by the Black Prince's Trust
• Competitive 3×3 tournaments and corporate challenges for City-based businesses
• Outdoor fitness classes utilizing the city-centre court
• Takeover days from Basketball England's Aspire Programme, LondonHoops x AND1, Bouncewear, and Brixton Topcats
• Bookable private sessions available throughout the programme for businesses, community organizations, and private groups

Partnership and Funding

The activation has been delivered by the Central London Alliance as part of the London Sports Festival, in partnership with Blue Orchid Hospitality, Cheapside Business Alliance, and with support from London 3×3 and the City of London Corporation.

National Lottery funding from Sport England has further strengthened the programme. The grant, awarded to Central London Alliance, covers professional coaches, volunteer support, and specialist equipment throughout the activation. This investment has expanded the number of free coaching sessions available and is intended to create clear pathways for continued participation beyond the festival.

Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance, said: "The response to Central London Alliance's 3×3 basketball activation has been outstanding and demonstrates exactly what the London Sports Festival is all about – transforming public spaces into places where people can come together, be active and experience sport in the heart of our capital."

"From children picking up a basketball for the very first time to businesses competing with colleagues and elite coaches inspiring the next generation, this programme reflects the power of sport to bring communities together," Matharu continued. "We are particularly proud that, through the support of Sport England and London 3×3, we can provide professional coaching completely free of charge for so many participants. Combined with our fantastic partners and the unique backdrop of St Paul's Cathedral, this activation showcases London's ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences that leave a lasting legacy for both participants and the city itself."

Wider London Sports Festival Offerings

The London Sports Festival continues to repurpose central London's landmark public spaces for sport and physical activity. Beyond Paternoster Square, workers, visitors, and residents can also access padel courts at Tower Hill Terrace and Hay's Galleria, pickleball and giant volleyball at Guildhall Yard, and panna football in the Crescent.

Further information and bookings are available via the London Sports Festival website.