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A major step toward making London the European home of basketball
The London Lions have revealed their intention to build a purpose-built, state-of-the-art basketball arena in the capital—a bold and ambitious step designed to cement London’s status as a global hub for elite basketball.
A New Era for Basketball in London
The proposed new venue will become the long-term home for both the London Lions men’s and women’s teams, offering a world-class environment for training, competition, and community connection. Designed with elite performance in mind, the facility will also serve as a launchpad for grassroots development and youth engagement programmes throughout the city.
More than just a sporting arena, the venue will function as a central hub for basketball in London—offering space for community events, educational initiatives, and talent development pathways to nurture the next generation of players.
Backed by the Mayor and Built for the Community
City Hall is working closely with the Lions to bring the vision to life, offering technical expertise and strategic support. The plans align with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s broader mission to grow basketball in the capital—following his formation of a basketball taskforce in 2024 to help elevate the sport at all levels.
“London is now the sporting capital of the world,” said Mayor Khan. “This venue can become a major new hub for basketball, creating opportunities for young people, attracting new fans, and delivering a significant economic boost. We’re proud to support the Lions in their mission to secure a long-term home and help build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
A Vision Backed by Ambition—and Investment
The Lions’ ownership group, Tesonet, a leading technology accelerator based in Lithuania, has pledged its full backing for the arena project. The group has expressed strong enthusiasm to fund the development, pending final approvals and progress on construction planning.
“London Lions has the potential to build a basketball stronghold in Europe,” said Tomas Okmanas, owner of BC London Lions. “Our fans and our city deserve a top-tier venue worthy of their energy and passion. This arena will be our foundation for competing—and winning—at the highest levels.”
A Platform for Growth at Every Level
More than 1.5 million people in the UK play basketball each week, making it the country’s second most popular team sport. The new arena aims to support that growing interest by creating a central, inclusive destination for players, fans, and communities alike.
“Our ambition is to put London firmly on the global basketball map,” said Lenz C. Balan, CEO of BC London Lions. “This project is a major step in that journey. We want to build a home not just for elite competition, but for everyone who loves the game.”
While development plans move forward, the Lions will continue to play home games at the Copper Box Arena. More updates on the timeline and location of the new venue will be shared in the coming months.
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