The NBA and WNBA have taken a significant step in expanding their global influence by hosting their first Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp in the UK. This landmark event, held in Manchester, brought together some of the brightest young basketball talents from across Europe, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business.

A Life-Changing Experience

For seven young Britons, this camp was more than just a training session—it was a chance to interact with NBA stars like Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers and receive coaching from Nick Nurse, head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Nurse, who has a rich history in British basketball, emphasized the transformative potential of such events.

"We can virtually guarantee that a handful or more of the players sitting out there today will be in the NBA and WNBA," Nurse told BBC Sport. "It's an amazing event, it always is. I've been fortunate enough to be a part of it before, but when they said they were coming to Manchester, I wanted to be a part of it."

Scouting the Next Generation

The BWB camp is part of the NBA's broader strategy to grow basketball's popularity and participation in the UK. This initiative follows the announcement that the UK will host its first NBA regular-season games since 2019, with matches scheduled in London in 2026 and Manchester in 2027.

Scouts from all 30 NBA teams were present at the camp, evaluating the young hopefuls. The event also featured current and former players and coaches from both the NBA and WNBA, providing invaluable first-hand coaching and advice to aspiring stars.

A Global Platform

Yearly BWB camps are held across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with the best performers from these camps selected to attend a global BWB camp during the NBA and WNBA All-Star weekends. This global platform has already produced 129 players who have gone on to play in the NBA or WNBA, including 41 currently in NBA starting teams.

The Future of British Basketball

With basketball being the second-most popular team sport in the UK, events like these are crucial for its growth. Irene Oboavwoduo, a 17-year-old from Manchester, hopes to follow in the footsteps of players like Amari Williams, who was discovered at a similar camp in Latvia and is now the NBA's third English-born active player.

"It's pretty hard because basketball is not as big in England, but basketball is expanding in the UK," Irene said. "I'm glad I've been able to do this as an experience for exposure."

WNBA's International Ambitions

The topic of top-level basketball heading outside the United States was further highlighted by the first WNBA game held internationally in Vancouver, Canada. Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA champion and part of the BWB coaching staff, expressed her hopes for future WNBA games in the UK.

"That's always a possibility," Fowles said. "I want to see the WNBA everywhere."

Conclusion

The first UK BWB camp marks a significant milestone in the NBA and WNBA's efforts to globalize basketball. By providing young talents with access to top-tier coaching and exposure, the leagues are not only nurturing future stars but also solidifying basketball's place as a global sport.