Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the UK, particularly among young people. According to the Active Lives survey, over a million British people play basketball regularly, with 14% of 18-34-year-olds playing every week. In England, basketball is the second most popular team sport after football, with 1.55 million players in total. This includes 1.2 million children and young people (aged 5-16) who play basketball weekly. While basketball in the UK has experienced underfunding and a lack of growth, it is making a comeback, with participation numbers in England at their highest since records began.
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What You'll Learn
Basketball is the second most popular team sport in England
Basketball's popularity in England is evident in the increasing participation rates over the years. Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, there was a notable increase of 20,000 more under-16s playing basketball weekly. This rise in participation has been attributed to the success of national teams, such as England's 3x3 gold and silver medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the efforts of grassroots clubs, leagues, schools, and community programmes in promoting the sport.
The sport's appeal is particularly strong among young people, with the highest participation rates in school years 3-6 and 7-11. However, it is worth noting that boys outnumber girls in playing basketball, with an 814,600 to 374,000 gender split in the under-16 age group. Nonetheless, basketball is seen as a sport that transcends social and economic boundaries, with more than half of the thousands of weekly players from an ethnic minority background and a significant proportion from manual and routine work occupations.
While basketball in England has faced challenges, such as underfunding and a lack of facilities, it continues to have a dedicated following and is making a positive impact on communities. The sport has the potential to bring people together and provide opportunities for those from diverse backgrounds, filling the gaps left by austerity-driven public sector cuts. With increasing participation rates and a passionate community, the future of basketball in England looks promising.
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Over 1.5 million people play basketball in England
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the UK, particularly among young people. Over 1.5 million people play basketball in England, with 1.2 million children and young people (aged 5-16) playing basketball on a weekly basis. This makes it the second most popular team sport in England, after football.
Basketball's popularity in England has been steadily rising, with participation numbers at their highest since records began. In the 2022-23 academic year, over 20,000 more under-16s were playing basketball on a weekly basis compared to the previous year. The most popular school years for the sport are years 3-6 (640,000 players) and 7-11 (509,600 players).
The popularity of basketball in England can be attributed to various factors. For many young people, the appeal of NBA stars from diverse backgrounds and countries with significant migrant populations makes basketball more relatable than other sports. Additionally, basketball has filled the gaps left by austerity-driven public sector cuts, especially in communities where youth services and youth centres have been reduced or closed.
However, basketball in England has faced challenges due to years of underfunding, which has impacted its growth potential. Despite this, there are still high levels of engagement with the sport, with over 340,000 adults (aged 16+) participating in basketball at least twice a month. The introductory programme, Slam Jam, has also been relaunched to engage more boys and girls in the game at an early age.
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Basketball is particularly popular among young people in the UK
Basketball is one of the fastest-growing team sports in the United Kingdom, second only to football in popularity. According to Basketball England, participation has grown by over 50% in the last five years, with the sport now firmly embedded in British youth culture.
A Sport England survey found that over a million children and young people (aged 5-16) play basketball every week, with the latest figures showing 1.2 million weekly players in this age group. This makes basketball the nation's second most popular team sport after football. The school years with the highest participation rates are years 3-6 (640,000 players) and 7-11 (509,600 players).
The popularity of basketball among young people in the UK can be attributed to several factors. One key driver is the establishment of the Women's British Basketball League (WBBL) and the success of the England women's team, which has inspired more girls and women to take up the sport. The community has also played a vital role in basketball's growth, with grassroots clubs, leagues, schools, and passionate individuals working hard to engage young people and provide accessible opportunities to play.
Social media has also played a significant role in amplifying the sport's reach among young people. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have enabled players and fans to share highlights, interviews, and dynamic content with broad audiences, further connecting the sport to youth culture. Additionally, inspirational figures such as Temi Fagbenle have emerged as role models for young girls, showcasing the potential for success on international stages.
Basketball's popularity among young people in the UK is also evident in schools and parks, where hoops are commonly found. The sport's straightforward rules and accessibility (requiring only a court and a ball) make it easy for young people to pick up and play casually.
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Basketball participation in England increased by 19% in 2023
Basketball participation in England has surged in recent years, with a notable 19% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. This rise in popularity has brought the total number of basketball players in England to approximately 1.55 million, making it the country's second most popular team sport after football.
Breaking down the numbers, nearly 1.2 million children and young people aged 5-16 play basketball weekly, with the sport particularly popular among primary school students. In the Active Lives Children and Young People survey for the 2022-23 academic year, over 20,000 more under-16s were recorded playing basketball weekly, a significant increase from the previous year.
The sport's popularity is also evident among adults, with 344,400 people playing basketball at least twice a month in England as of November 2023. This number reflects a notable increase of over 55,000 players compared to the previous year. The gender split among adult players shows a higher participation rate among men, with 272,200 male players compared to 66,900 female players.
The recent success of English basketball teams, such as the London Lions women's team winning the country's first basketball silverware, has likely contributed to the sport's growing popularity. Additionally, the hard work of grassroots clubs, schools, and community programs has been instrumental in engaging people from all walks of life and getting them excited about basketball.
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Basketball England has almost 40,000 licensed members
Basketball England's membership revenue supports the sport at all levels, including other stakeholders like the British Basketball Federation (BBF) and Basketball England's ten regions. The membership revenue is used to fund the game and provide benefits to members.
Basketball has been steadily rising in popularity in England, especially after the COVID-19 restrictions. The community has come together to celebrate national successes, such as England's 3x3 gold and silver medals at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Grassroots clubs, leagues, organisations, schools, community programs, and passionate individuals have all contributed to the sport's growth.
Basketball is currently England's second most popular team sport, with 1.2 million children and young people (aged 5-16) playing basketball on a weekly basis. The total number of people playing basketball in England is 1.55 million, with 344,400 adults participating in the sport twice a month. The popularity of basketball in England can be traced back to its introduction in the late 19th century and its subsequent growth through YMCA clubs and district associations.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the UK, especially among young people. It is England's second most popular team sport, after football.
According to the Active Lives survey, more than one million British people regularly play basketball, with 1.2 million children and young people (aged 5-16) playing basketball on a weekly basis.
Yes, basketball participation in England increased by approximately 19% in 2023 over the previous year. However, it is still not as popular in the UK as it is in the US.
Basketball has had its highs and lows in the UK. The late 90s and the early 2000s were considered the glory days, with the British Basketball League (BBL) title decider in 1999 attended by 11,000 people and broadcast live on Sky Sports. However, years of underfunding and lack of support from politicians have impacted the growth of the sport.
Basketball in the UK has faced challenges such as underfunding, lack of facilities, and cuts to youth services, which have impacted its growth and potential. Despite these challenges, the sport has passionate supporters and grassroots communities that continue to drive participation.
