SYDNEY – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Basketball Magic, an Australian-owned sports management company focused on basketball development at the grassroots level, today announced a multiyear collaboration for Basketball Magic to launch and operate the first NBA Basketball School in Australia, in Sydney later this month and additional locations across the country in the future.

NBA Basketball School is a global network of tuition-based basketball skills development programs open to youth players ages 7-18.  Located at the new state-of-the-art facility at Cranbrook School in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NBA Basketball School Australia will launch on Monday, Feb. 27 and is open to players of all skill levels across Sydney, NSW.  Basketball Magic has also named Nico Loureiro, former NBA Latin America Youth Basketball Operations Lead and NBA Global Academy coach, as Technical Director of NBA Basketball School Australia.  Aspiring players interested in participating in the upcoming Term 1 program can register now by visiting https://nbabasketballschool.com.au.

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, has been developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists.  Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been launched or announced in Argentina, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, India, Italy, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

“NBA Basketball School provides an additional avenue for young players to learn the game and refine their skills under the tutelage of established coaches with proven training techniques,” said NBA Asia Basketball Operations Associate Vice President Carlos Barroca.  “Together with Basketball Magic, beginners and more advanced players alike will have access to best-in-class training to elevate their game and help them better contribute to their local club and state teams.”

“There has never been a more exciting time for the growth of basketball in Australia,” said NBA Asia Head of Global Marketing Partnerships, Events & Basketball Operations Francesco Suarez.  “With the launch of the first NBA Basketball School in Australia in collaboration with Basketball Magic, we will provide young players with the tools and teachings to enhance and accelerate their on-court development.”

“Basketball Magic is excited to work with the NBA to establish the NBA Basketball School program throughout Australia,” said Ben O’Neill, Managing Director of Basketball Magic.  “Our mission is to inspire and connect youth across Australia through the power of basketball in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.”

Players and families can learn more about the NBA Basketball School Australia program, including about future programs across the country, by subscribing to the newsletter on the homepage at https://nbabasketballschool.com.au/.  Schools interested to be considered as a future venue for the NBA Basketball School Australia Program can email partnerships@nbabasketballschool.com.au.

For more information, follow NBA Basketball School Australia on Instagram @nbabasketballschool_aus and visit www.nbabasketballschool.com.au.

About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  At the start of the 2021-22 season, the NBA rosters featured a record 121 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

About Basketball Magic
Basketball Magic was established in 2021 by Ben O’Neill to collaborate with the NBA to operate NBA Basketball School throughout Australia. Ben, the owner and Managing Director, is widely known for his coaching skills and passion for elevating youth basketball in Australia.  Nico Loureiro, Technical Director, is an experienced international basketball coach, at all levels of the NBA International Youth Pathway.  Basketball Magic looks forward to working with the NBA to encourage and promote widespread participation in the sport of basketball across Australia.