Behind every outdoor basketball court, there are stories of extraordinary cities, of men and women of all backgrounds, of urban legends. There are stories of artists, painters, pro-hoopers, and relentless amateurs. Stories of friendship and passion. As we're always on the lookout for the unique and unexpected when it comes to finding hidden gems around the world. This is the time for the best basketball courts around the world.
The outdoor basketball courts are where we can emulate our favorite players (usually to awfully bad results), but also where we can dream of buzzer beaters. It's where gender, age, and race don't matter as we can all speak the same universal language of basketball. The outdoor basketball courts are more than just a place to play the game.
Sure, we can talk all day about our love for basketball shoes, or this year's best tunnel fits. We could talk about cover magazines or AND1 highlights. We could talk Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. But the real magic, the real love for the game happens during those never-ending summer days under the sun, between smelling the cement of the basketball court and hearing the balls bouncing everywhere at an irregular beat while we play.
Scroll down to check the outdoor basketball courts that should be on your hoop dream bucket list.
3D Basketball Court
Where: Munich, Germany
When one thinks of a basketball court, thoughts of a flat surface of varying concrete construction with white lines painted for designation is probably an image that comes to mind.
However, that notion is completely abandoned when it comes to the 3D basketball court in Munich which appears like a person has landed on Mars and would be better suited to use a Rover to navigate the court than a normal crossover.
Comprised of a soft orange-red tartan and various ridges at Berufsschulzentrum Riesstraße, it was created as a part of the art project, QUIVID, by a group of artists known as "Inges Idee" who are made up by Hans Hemmert, Axel Lieber, Thomas A. Schmidt and Georg Zey.
While it may not be the best place to lace 'em up if you're looking to run full-court, and definitely. scary sight for anyone prone to ankle sprains, it does have a Willy Wonka-style vibe if you were trying to coax someone adverse to basketball to give it a shot. Or even just a funky game of h.o.r.s.e., I guess.
Venice Beach
Where: Los Angeles, California, USA
Iconic would be an understatement and picturesque wouldn't be enough to capture the essence and feeling of playing on this court. Venice Beach in Los Angeles is home to one of the most recognizable and legendary outdoor basketball courts in the world.
Venice Beach's iconic basketball courts gained fame in the '90s classic "White Men Can't Jump" with Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as streetball hustlers. These courts were also featured in "American History X," where Edward Norton's character plays a tense basketball game.
The courts are also very close to the home of the Dude. Yes, the Dude, as in Jeff Bridges’ character Jeffrey Lebowski in the cult movie The Big Lebowski.
The courts are set for an update, as 3-on-3 basketball has been recognized as a summer Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee. Los Angeles is gearing up to host the Olympics in 2028, with Venice Beach selected as the venue for the 3-on-3 Olympic basketball competition.
The Floating Basketball Court
Where: Lake Tonle Sap, Cambodia
Around 1.4 million people live in floating villages in Cambodia with another 4 million on the banks. Needless to say, water often intermingles with activities associated with daily life.
One of the better examples of this is on Lake Tonie Sap where the specific location of the floating village of Chong Khneas changes depending on the time of the year. During the rainy season, it is pushed to the edges of the lake, while more dry climates make the village more like an island where it sits out in the middle.
In addition to a floating pig farm, two schools, a community market, a general store, a Catholic church, and a Buddhist temple, Chong Khneas also has one of the only floating basketball courts in the world and includes things like catfish, freshwater dolphins, and crocodiles as things considered "out of bounds."
Greenwich Rooftop Court
Where: London, England
Let's face it, England will always be home to football, but over the past few years the basketball scene has been growing steadily. Despite not having many basketball courts, London's skyline has been enhanced with a new, exciting playground: its first rooftop basketball court in Greenwich.
This unique spot combines the joy of playing basketball with breathtaking views of the city, including landmarks like the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf. Not limited to just basketball, the outdoor court will host a variety of sports and wellness activities, such as yoga, and can be used for outdoor events and photoshoots.
Costing around 30 pounds per hour and with the chance to privately hire the court for whatever business event, this basketball court definitely leans toward a more corporate/business-like approach to the game compared to the other more grassroots entries in this list.
Nevertheless, located just a short walk from North Greenwich station, it offers an unmatched experience for sports enthusiasts and event planners alike.
Pigalle
Where: Paris, France
Located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris on Rue Duperré, the colorful court between a row of buildings serves as a collaboration between Pigalle and Ill-Studios.
First created as a partnership between the aforementioned brand and Nike in 2009 - who continues to have a strong partnership to this day due in large part to Pigalle founder Stéphane Ashpool's affinity for both on-court and off-court basketball aesthetics - this outdoor basketball court in France's capital is truly one of a kind.
The bold colors are reminiscent of a 1930s oil painting, Sportsmen, by Russian artist Kasimir Malevic, whose sensibilities can be seen and reflected in how Ill-Studios used the very nature of what is needed to differentiate the paint, three-point lines and out-of-bounds on a basketball court.
"Sportsmen is one of our favorite paintings of all time," said the studio. "We were attracted to the subjects of the painting, but also the strong colors and graphic composition that matched the direction we had in mind."
City Wall Rooftop Court
Where: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Unlike other courts that may be temporary or seen as more of a gimmick, the City Wall Rooftop Court is decidedly a player's court thanks to its conventional - albeit elevated - position in the historic city.
Set against a smattering of orange-tiled, terra-cotta roofs with the Asiatic Sea in the distance, the "Pearl of the Adriatic” won't overpower your run, but you also won't feel like you're playing in a run-of-the-mill park environment either.
Angels Gate Park
Where: San Pedro, CA
Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, California is another outdoor basketball court spot that eschews gimmicks in favor of a locale that is purely functional.
However, the location and proximity to the Pacific Ocean with panoramic views of the coastline and Santa Catalina Island make it truly one of the gems of the basketball world and often make for some of the most stunning silhouettes of basketball around.
Spoiler alert: probably a little windy.
Rucker Park
Where: New York City
In Harlem, at 155th Street and Eighth Avenue, there is a basketball court unlike any other, the place where the basketball gods become men again and test themselves with street basketball heroes.
Once upon a time, the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, or Julius Erving chose it as a battleground to measure themselves against champions of their caliber, and on the tarmac, the label of pro player lost its meaning. Today NBA players visit it mostly for promotional purposes, and a few streetball highlights, still absolutely worth watching.
Thanks to its glorious history, Rucker Park has given frames of pure passion and immortal stories, even more fascinating because they are destined to remain forever in limbo between truth and legend. We think of the crowds thronging around (and often beyond) the sidelines of the court, the fans who climbed the trees or terraces of Polo Grounds buildings to watch the headline matches, the scouts who came from all over America to scout out some talent and mingled with the common spectators, the police who sometimes had to block off the entire neighbourhood or suspend games for safety reasons.
While the collegiate and NBA teams of the 1950s and 1960s were predominantly composed of white players racial segregation was still in effect, more or less officially-and played a tactical, disciplined, cerebral basketball, the New York playgrounds offered an athletic, fast-paced style, marked by individual duels, dribble flow, and high-flying flights that is still present to this day.
Taguig Tenement Court
Where: Taguig, Manila, Philippines
Nestled in Taguig City, Philippines, the Tenement Taguig Basketball Court is more than just a sporting venue; it's a vibrant hub of unity, art, and basketball passion.
Initially built as a post-war public housing project for Manila’s minimum wage workers in 1963, during its construction, the Philippine basketball team reigned supreme with legends like Caloy Loyzaga, Carlos Badion, and Ciso Bernardo, and they decided to built the court in the middle of the project.
After years of neglect, the government deemed the building unsafe and likely to collapse in an earthquake. With no running water or plumbing, the tenants continue to stay, and play, despite eviction notices.
This iconic court, perched atop this housing complex, has become a symbol of community and aspiration, where art and sport collide in a display of colorful murals that narrate the locals' stories.
Despite facing challenges, Taguig Tenement stands tall as a symbol of resilience. Its future is bright, and its impact on the Philippines’ basketball scene will continue to grow. The story of this court is far from over, making it an essential destination for anyone who shares the passion for basketball.
Viale Lazio Court
Where: Milan, Italy
Fashion capital but also the epicenter of the Italian street basketball scene, Milan is home to some of the best outdoor basketball courts in the country.
After years of neglect, Foot Locker revitalized a historic Milan basketball court in Viale Lazio, infusing it with the creativity of artist Davide Barco.
This effort is part of Foot Locker's "Raise the Game" project, aiming to support community initiatives through basketball. Barco's design, inspired by Milan's Duomo, symbolizes the city's growth and the promotion of street basketball.
Additionally, Foot Locker's collaboration with DaMove Crew focuses on using basketball for social change, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the sport's reach and impact in Italy.
Satou Sabally Court
Where: Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin
Female basketball hoopers your prayers have been heard! Jordan Brand, in collaboration with WNBA star Satou Sabally, launched the Satou Sabally Court in Berlin's Tempelhofer Feld to empower communities and promote inclusivity in sports. This initiative focuses on providing safe sports access for girls and women from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to driving positive change.
The court, redesigned by local artist Bahar Bambi, showcases a blend of cultural identities and sustainable materials, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for expression and basketball culture growth.
Best of all though, this outdoor court in Berlin is set against the unique backdrop of an abandoned airport, making the summer hoop sessions here feel as close as it gets to being in a GTA 5 map.
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