London Lions have announced plans to develop a world-class stadium in the capital, with funding support from the Mayor of London.
The proposed new stadium will include a hub for youth programs, aiming to enhance grassroots basketball development and strengthen community engagement.
This initiative aligns with the club’s vision of making London a major hub for European basketball.
The new arena aims to enhance the fan experience with improved seating for better viewing and an intensified atmosphere. Plans also include a state-of-the-art scoreboard and dedicated training facilities.
London Lions CEO Lenz Balan said: “Our ambition is to put London firmly on the global basketball map, and this project is a major step in that journey.
“We want to create a world-class, purpose-built home for elite basketball and a space where the community can come together to experience the energy and passion of the sport at the highest level.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This venue can become a major hub for basketball in the capital, providing opportunities for young people, attracting new fans, and hosting more events that will significantly boost the economy.
“We are committed to helping the London Lions secure a long-term home as we work together to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
The Mayor of London added a message of support on X.
City Hall is working with the club to identify a suitable site while the Lions continue to play at the Copper Box Arena.
A new stadium would not only strengthen London’s presence in European basketball but also support the Lions’ ambitions of re-entering the EuroCup.
The initiative follows the Mayor’s recent launch of a basketball task force to expand the sport in London. This comes after figures revealed that 1.5 million people play basketball in the UK, making it the second most popular team sport in the country.
The club took to X to announce the news:
The Lions’ future was secured in summer 2024 when Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonet, acquired the club.
Tesonet, a technology business accelerator, has financed cybersecurity startup Nord Security, now valued at $3 billion.
Okmanas said: “London Lions have the potential to build a basketball stronghold in Europe, powered by incredible local talent and strong ties to a rapidly growing fan community. The Lions have the appetite to compete—and win—against the best in Europe, and we are thrilled to support them on this journey.”
Tesonet also owns the highly successful Lithuanian EuroLeague team BC Žalgiris, which regularly sells out its 15,000-seat Žalgirio Arena.
The new facility will serve as the home for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Further details regarding the development timeline and location will be announced in the coming months.
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