NBA inks deal with SportSG, STB

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a landmark multiyear collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to bring a series of NBA events to Singapore. 

Beginning this June, the NBA, SportSG and STB will launch a new, multiday immersive basketball and entertainment festival in Singapore culminating with the “NBA Rising Stars Invitational,” the league’s first regional high-school basketball tournament that will feature boys’ and girls’ teams from 10 countries and territories across Asia-Pacific competing at the Kallang Alive Precinct from Wednesday, June 25 – Sunday, June 29.

The announcement was made in Singapore at an event attended by NBA Asia executives, SportSG CEO Alan Goh, STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow and two-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Chris Bosh.

Operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, the first annual NBA Rising Stars Invitational will feature boys’ and girls’ divisions comprised of standout high-school teams for youth ages 18 and under.

The five-day tournament will tip off with round-robin play before advancing to single-elimination competition, with pool games taking place from June 25-27, culminating with the semi-finals and final games on June 28 and 29, respectively.

The participating players will also take part in skill development, social responsibility programming and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange.  

The basketball and entertainment festival will be headlined by a lineup of current and former NBA and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players, who will be announced ahead of event.

The festival will also feature a range of activities for fans of all ages, including community outreach initiatives, open courts, photo opportunities with authentic NBA memorabilia – such as The Larry O’Brien Trophy – player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as entertainment and interactive experiences.

The participating teams in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will be identified in collaboration with local basketball federations and leagues, with select markets hosting local qualifying events to determine its representative.

As the host country, Singapore will be represented by two teams in each division.  Additionally, top individual performers from the event will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases and programs.

“Basketball is the second most-played sport amongst youth in Asia, and our goal with the NBA Rising Stars Invitational is to build on that momentum and provide a stage for top players to compete alongside and against their peers from across the region,” said NBA Asia Managing Director Wayne Chang.

“SportSG is excited to partner with the NBA to create an immersive festival of basketball for all during the June holidays,” said Goh.  “Held at the Kallang Alive Precinct and at various locations in our community, this two-week festival will rally the basketball fraternity and create opportunities for all to enjoy the sport that they love.”

“The NBA’s presence in Singapore enriches our city’s dynamic offerings and solidifies our standing as a premier sporting destination,” said Ow.  “We are delighted to host the inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore this June.”

A 6’11” forward/center, Bosh was selected 4^th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and went on to win back-to-back NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.  The 11-time NBA All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Additional information about the multiday basketball and entertainment festival and the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, including ticket information, marketing partners and media partners, will be announced at a later date.