NEW YORK – The NBA today announced the launch of “Future Starts Now,” a new digital program on the NBA App that will showcase the next generation of basketball stars in a centralized location, creating a unique way for fans to follow their journeys at every stage beginning at the high school level.

As a pivotal component of the NBA’s broader commitment to make the NBA App an all-in-one destination for global basketball programming, “Future Starts Now” will serve as the ultimate elite basketball location within the NBA App and across NBA digital platforms offering a comprehensive experience for fans of all ages.  The program will feature live streams, real-time updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, in-depth player interviews, electrifying highlights and game recaps.  The content will include NBA G League Ignite games – featuring top prospects Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland – top-tier international competitions and elite youth basketball competitions.

“When we launched the NBA App last season, we made a commitment to make it the premier destination for elite basketball,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Social, Digital & Original Content Andrew Yaffe.  “Spotlighting the game’s brightest young stars through this new program with events like the 2023 Nike World Basketball Festival gives fans a closer look at the next generation of stars from the beginning of their basketball journey.”

To tip off the new initiative, the NBA App and NBA YouTube will stream the 2023 Nike World Basketball Festival girls’ championship at 5:30 p.m. ET followed by the boys’ championship at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 16.  The tournament is part of a weekend-long Nike Basketball celebration set against the iconic backdrop of Lincoln Center in New York City.  For the full game schedule and rosters, please visit here.

Eight NBA and WNBA stars will serve as honorary team coaches for elite rosters of 80 of the brightest male and female high school talents.  Podcast host and influencer Bobby Cey will call the action alongside ESPN’s Monica McNutt and Ros Gold-Onwude, while iconic New York radio legend and artist Angie Martinez will serve as the in-arena host.