Careers In Basketball
The London Lions Workforce Development Programme (WDP) is the UK's first dedicated pathway into careers in basketball off the court — coaching, officiating, media, marketing, operations and events. You don't have to make the roster to make a life in this game.
School To Industry
1. WDP Foundation
Under 16 — work experience and enrichment in secondary schools.
2. WDP 16–19
Live now at New City College Hackney, studied alongside a sports-based academic course, with Basketball England qualifications.
3. WDP+
University placements with the University of Westminster.
4. Industry
Paid roles across basketball — in and beyond the Lions.
What You'll Learn
The WDP is built on a structured curriculum covering the whole basketball industry — six modules, taught by experienced practitioners including London Lions staff, guest speakers from our European networks, and senior figures across British basketball.
Basketball Operations
Team and player management, scouting and talent ID, officiating and game rules, governance and league structures.
Event & Game-Day Management
Planning and delivering tournaments and leagues, game-day logistics, hospitality and fan experience, scheduling and venue management.
Coaching & Player Development
Coaching qualifications and pathways, introductory strength and conditioning, sports science, data and performance analysis.
Media, Content & Marketing
Live streaming and game coverage, social media and storytelling, basketball journalism, photography, videography and highlight creation.
Commercial & Business
Sponsorship and partnerships, ticketing and membership models, community outreach and brand engagement.
Career Development
Routes into full-time, part-time and freelance roles, industry networking and mentorship, CV building, portfolios and interview preparation.
Learn It At Real Lions Games
Every module blends classroom teaching with hands-on experience, using real London Lions events, games and operations as the learning environment. In Year 1 you cover the full breadth of the industry; from Year 2 you specialise in the pathway that fits your interests and ambitions — with the specialisms co-designed alongside New City College staff and shaped by student feedback.
The WDP runs alongside your academic course at New City College, delivered outside your timetabled course hours. It isn't currently a formal qualification in its own right — today it's issued as a London Lions certification — but every student also gains access to formal qualifications through the programme, including Basketball England Coaching Level 1 and 2 and Table Official certification. Our long-term intention, working with New City College, is to formalise the WDP into a recognised vocational qualification carrying UCAS points.
The programme is designed to flex around your strengths, and to lead somewhere real: further education, employment or self-employment in basketball.
Start Your Career In Basketball
Whether you're a student who wants a future in the game, a parent, or an education provider interested in partnering on the WDP, we want to hear from you.