Play Ball Here
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Play Ball here – Basketball in London
Despite basketball’s global popularity and its status as a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States and much of Europe, the sport remains relatively marginal within the United Kingdom. While the NBA, NCAA, Euroleague, and national leagues such as Spain’s ACB provide structured development pathways, media coverage, sponsorships, and turn players into celebrities, basketball in the UK lacks comparable infrastructure, visibility, and institutional support. Sports like football, rugby, and cricket dominate public attention and resources, leaving basketball in the shadows despite its accessibility and cultural reach.
This photographic project explores the state of grassroots basketball in London through a visual documentation of local courts, players, and everyday games. These images capture the persistence of a community that exists largely without official recognition or substantial investment. Far from the arenas and commercial spectacle associated with the sport globally, the project focuses on urban courts where basketball thrives informally—driven by passion rather than profit.
By portraying these overlooked scenes, Basketball in London offers a reflection on the sport’s potential in the UK and the disconnect between its global stature and its local presence. The work invites viewers to consider how institutional priorities shape the development of sport, and how under-supported athletic communities create meaning and resilience through play.
