TOP Basketball Academies For Kids In Singapore

Basketball is not just a sport. It is a cultural phenomenon with a long and eventful history. It is a way of life for millions of people in various parts of our world. Well, actually, basketball is life for them. Just as throughout the planet, this game is mega popular in Singapore, particularly among teenagers. Singapore organises various local leagues and tournaments, hosts large-scale events, and develops programmes to foster a vibrant basketball culture in the city-state. There is a great choice of basketball courts in Singapore, including well-maintained public ones. You won’t have problems with finding an academy, where your young and passionate basketball players can develop, improve their skills, and even build a sports career. So, the BusyKidd team invites you to discover Singapore’s lively basketball scene.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to TOP Football Academies and Clubs For Kids in Singapore, Best Public Swimming Pools in Singapore.

Basketball In Singapore: History And The Present

How do you describe the game of basketball? It is a fast-paced team sport. There are two teams of five players. Each team tries to score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball through their basket. While preventing the opposing team from scoring. Players must dribble the ball to move with it and pass it to their teammates. This game requires speed, agility, teamwork, strategic thinking, decision-making, and many other skills, both physical and mental. Each game is spectacular and ensures an exhilarating atmosphere and vivid emotions.

Basketball in Singapore is a well-developed, mega-popular sport. It has a rich history, bright present, and far-reaching plans for the future. Basketball in our city-state is governed by the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS). The country has the top-tier National Basketball League (NBL), boasts strong school programmes, organises a range of community leagues, basketball-related events, and more. Great attention is paid to comprehensive development for young athletes and basketball’s inclusivity. Singapore Basketball Centre is the main training and competition venue.

Before we plunge into the modern basketball environment in Singapore, let’s take a brief excursion into the history of this game in our country.

History of Basketball in Singapore

Singapore became acquainted with basketball over a hundred years ago. The new game quickly became popular in schools. In 1934, the Singapore Basketball and Volleyball Association was established. It was responsible for further promotion of basketball and organised the Malaysia and Singapore Basketball Championship. This significantly increased our nation’s interest in this sport.

In 1939, the Association was replaced by the Chinese Sports Improvement Council, which may be considered the first instance of BAS.

In 1946, after World War II, which significantly slowed basketball’s growth, the Singapore Amateur Basketball Association (SABA) was formed. It aimed to revive the game – and it performed perfectly. The men’s national team participated in the 1956 Summer Olympics. In 1961, SABA became a member of the Asian Basketball Association. In 1967, SABA renamed itself to Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS).

Our country achieved significant success in the Asian Basketball Championship (1971-1993). In the 2000s, Singapore’s professional basketball era began.

Nowadays, basketball in Singapore is growing rapidly. A strong school system, the grassroots National Basketball League (NBL) organised by the BAS, well-known and well-loved Singapore Slingers, and even a significant presence of the NBA – Singapore is a powerful basketball player in the world arena.

Basketball Teams and Tournaments in Singapore

Singapore Slingers

Singapore Slingers is a beloved professional basketball team in Singapore. The team last competed in the ASEAN Basketball League in 2023. It made a great contribution to the development of basketball in Singapore and gave a whole lot of exciting, colourful moments to its fans. Unfortunately, the team ceased operations in late 2023 because the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), where they played, lost support from FIBA (the world basketball governing body) and stopped play. Nevertheless, all Singaporeans believe that it is just a pause in the history of Singapore Slingers – and we will meet in the stands to watch the brilliant game of our favourite team and enjoy the most electrifying atmosphere very soon.

National Basketball League

The National Basketball League is Singapore’s premier top-tier men’s basketball competition. It is run by BAS. Currently, ten teams participate in the NBL. NLB winners can play in the qualifying rounds of the Basketball Champions League Asia. Furthermore, this league is the main platform for Singapore’s talents to develop and get into the national team.

Other Domestic Competitions in Singapore

• National School Games (NSG) – a major platform for youth basketball
• Jammers Basketball League – a popular community league for men and women, locals and expats, organised by SG Basketball and Jammers Basketball Alliance
• Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) – a leading youth competition
• And other tournaments, competitions, and events

Singapore’s National Basketball Teams

Singapore’s National Basketball Teams – men’s and women’s – represent our country internationally, with a focus on Southeast Asian and Asian championships. Here’s the list of tournaments, where Singapore’s National Basketball Teams compete:

• FIBA Asia Cup
• Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
• FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup & World Cup Qualifiers

As we’ve already mentioned, Singapore’s National Basketball Team participated in the Olympic Games in 1956. And we believe that the main triumph in international tournaments is ahead.

NBA in Singapore

NBA – those three letters mean an entire world of teamwork, emotions, and thirst for victory. Even though the National Basketball Association is the premier professional league in North America, millions of people in all parts of our planet hold their breath when watching spectacular NBA games today, closely track the NBA scores, and know all the NBA results by heart. This is not surprising. The world’s best players, the highest level of competition, the massive fan base – every basketball lover dreams of becoming part of this feast of sport and emotions.

And did you know that the NBA has a strong presence in Singapore? Well, yes, there are no NBA regular-season games in Singapore yet. But there is a strong multi-year partnership between the NBA and Sport Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board.  

NBA focuses on building a basketball ecosystem in the region. It aims to boost the sport’s popularity and foster youth development. The NBA organises exciting basketball events, festivals, fan meet-and-greets with famous players, and more. In June 2025, the first-ever NBA Rising Stars Invitational took place. It is the NBA’s first regional high-school tournament that brought together teams from 10 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. And we believe this is just the beginning of Singapore’s meaningful partnership with the NBA that can bring the game in our city-state to a new level. And it is your little athlete who can become a true NBA superstar one day – and you’ll be those proud parents closely monitoring the NBA schedule, NBA live scores, NBA news, NBA standings, and NBA stats of the current NBA season.

Basketball Courts In Singapore

Great news! Singapore has many well-maintained public courts for everyone to enjoy this engaging game. You may be sure there is a high-quality ‘basketball court near me’. Let’s check several of the most popular locations.

The Best Public Basketball Courts in Singapore:

• Henderson Park (Bukit Merah)
• 116 Basketball Court (Bedok North)
• Bedok South
• Duxton Plain Park (Tanjong Pagar)
• Khatib Central
• The Cage Court (Jurong West)
• Vista Park
• Singapore Sports Hub (three courts for public use)
• And others

There is also a choice of indoor courts in Singapore, like free-to-play ActiveSG facilities, basketball courts in various schools (available during after-school hours), community clubs’ facilities, and other venues. Your basketball shoes, ball, good mood, and passion are everything you need.

The selection of affordable paid basketball courts in Singapore is also great.

Affordable Venues:

• Community clubs
• SAFRA clubhouses
• ActiveSG facilities
• OCBC Arena
• NUS Sports & Recreation Centre
• And others

No matter the time and weather, there is a place where you can gather with your family, friends, and colleagues, have a good training, and enjoy your favourite game to the fullest. Why don’t you turn playing basketball into your family’s tradition? It is an excellent way to get fit and stay healthy, strengthen your family bonds, and have fun with kids.

Is playing basketball at an amateur level not enough for your little athletes? You can enroll your ballers in one of Singapore’s academies for kids.

Basketball Academies For Kids In Singapore

ActiveSG Basketball Academy

Image Credit: ActiveSG Basketball Academy via Facebook

ActiveSG Academy offers a range of programmes for kids of various ages, both boys and girls. Along with teaching the game’s fundamentals and skills improvement, the academy focuses on developing character traits, like teamwork, resilience, honour, and others.

You can choose from the Seasonal Programme for kids 5-7 years old, 8-10 years old, and 11-14 years old. There is the Girls-Only programme for ages 8-14.

The academy’s main goal is to make this sport accessible and foster kids’ love for the game.

• Location: Multiple locations
• Age: 5-14
• More Details

Beyond Basketball Academy SG

Image Credit: Beyondbasketballsg.com

This academy welcomes both kids and adults to join its fun, structured training. It teaches fundamentals like dribbling and shooting, focuses on game strategy, and strives to develop discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The academy’s programmes are aimed at everyone’s personal growth. Both physical and mental.

The academy caters to kids (4-16 years old) and adults of all levels of training. Group and private coaching are available. There’s also a Power Pair Training option – perfect for siblings or friends.

• Location: Multiple locations
• Age: 4+
• More Details

LJE Sports

Image Credit: LJE Sports via Facebook

LJE Sports is one of the most experienced sports education providers in Singapore. It has been in the game since 1991 – and it knows for sure how to make your child fall in love with this game. Yes, adults are welcome as well!

LJE Sports emphasises skills development and fostering life virtues. It proves that basketball is more than just a game and aims to develop not just skilled players but well-rounded individuals.

LJE Sports programmes include weekly training, 1-on-1 training, kids holiday camps, Mini Tots Basketball for the youngest athletes of 3-5 years old, training for beginners, and other variants. It organises various tournaments, corporate events, and more.

• Location:
  • Central: Evans Road
  • East: Chinese Swimming Club
  • West: International Community School
• Age: 3+
• More Details

MGM Basketball Academy

Image Credit: MGM Basketball Academy via Facebook

This academy invites basketball lovers of all ages and skill levels to step into a spectacular world of this game and become part of its engaged community. It offers structured training for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults. Besides, you can enroll your kids in holiday camps, join specialised skill clinics, and opt for one-on-one sessions for individual skill enhancement. MGM also provides Special Needs Basketball Training – to empower every athlete. Corporate and teambuilding training is available as well.

• Location: Multiple locations
• Age: 3+
• More Details

Scholar Basketball Academy

Image Credit: Scholar Basketball Academy via Facebook

Led by top Asian league players, this academy provides comprehensive programmes from fun-focused training for the youngest players to intensive competitive programmes for advanced players. There is also a Coaches Programme for basketball coaches and educators who want to strengthen their knowledge and improve coaching skills.

SBA constantly organises kids’ holiday camps to help young athletes improve their skills, boost fitness, develop game strategy – and have a fun and meaningful time with their peers.

• Location:
  • Parkway Parade
  • Singapore Chinese Girls School
  • Anglo-Chinese School
  • North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
  • Canadian International School of Singapore
• Age: 3+
• More Details

SGBASKETBALL

Image Credit: SG Basketball via Facebook

A choice of training programmes, private coaching, holiday camps, leagues and tournaments – SGBASKETBALL is deservedly considered among Singapore’s leading youth basketball development providers.

The academy caters to sportsmen of all ages and training levels. SGBASKETBALL offers academy sessions, group training, personalised sessions, and various workshops for kids and adults. It organises tournaments and runs leagues. Its mission is to develop basketball from a young age and build a strong community in Singapore. It is a place where true basketball stars are born.

• Location:
  • Shot Zone @ Chai Chee
  • Dover Court
• Age: 5+
• More Details

Triple Threat Basketball Academy

It is a leading provider of private training in Singapore. It offers personalised, ‘school-to-you’ lessons for all ages at convenient locations. The academy’s coaches can come to your condo, a nearby public park, or any other location you choose. They focus on fundamentals, decision making, court awareness, and develop discipline, passion for this game, and character.

The academy offers holiday camps, corporate and teambuilding training, competitive training, and other programmes.

• Location: Multiple locations
• Age: 4+
• More Details

Zenith Basketball Academy

Zenith Academy’s mission is to elevate the standard of basketball training in Singapore. And it accomplishes this mission through high-quality, personalised training led by experienced coaches with local and international playing and/or coaching backgrounds. The academy’s programmes include skills training, drills, shooting drills, workouts, clinics, private coaching, and others. Its classes include options for kids, youth, and adults, group trainings, and advanced programmes.

The academy develops game-ready athletes for local and international competitions. It is where basketball legends are born.

• Location: Multiple locations
• Age: 5+
• More Details

Besides, many schools in Singapore offer basketball as a co-curricular activity. ITE College West, Singapore American School, Stamford American International School, Nexus International School, and many others are among them.

Interesting Facts About Basketball

• It was a physical education teacher who invented basketball in 1891. Dr. James Naismith from Springfield, Massachusetts, aimed to invent a new game that could keep his students active during the cold winter months. Two peach baskets, a soccer ball, easy rules – and voila! A game that would win millions of hearts globally was invented. By the way, when Dr. James Naismith invented basketball, he wrote down only 13 simple rules.
• As you’ve already read, a simple peach basket served as the very first basketball hoop. The basket was nailed to the gym’s balcony – and, yes, it didn’t have a hole at the bottom. A ladder was needed to retrieve the ball after each score.
• Naismith divided his class of 18 students into two teams. So, the very first basketball game had 9 players on each side.
• It is hard to believe, but the first official basketball game ended with a score of 1-0.
• The Detroit Pistons scored 186 points in 1983. The most points ever scored in an NBA game by one team.
• Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record in 1962. He scored 100 points in a single game. It is the most points scored by one player in one NBA game.
• Michael Jordan, a true basketball legend, was cut from his high school team. Which didn’t prevent him from becoming one of the best players of all times and nations. Yes, Michael Jordan has a very motivational life story.
• Why is there no 7 in basketball? Actually, this restriction has sunk into oblivion. Traditionally, number 7 was banned in US college (NCAA) and high school (NFHS) basketball because officials used hand signals. And it is hard to show numbers with digits 6, 7, 8, or 9 with just five fingers. However, number 7 is common nowadays.
• Continuing with numbers. There are special basketball codes. It is like a hidden language for quick plays. For example, basketball zero codes – ‘0’ – often signal an isolated play. ‘2-for-1’ means a late-game strategy to get two shots in one possession.
• Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol are considered the tallest basketball players in the history of the NBA. Both standing at 7 ft 7 in (2.31m). The tallest player in college basketball history is Olivier Rioux, who is 7 ft 9 in (2.36m). Sun Mingming, a Chinese former professional basketball player, boasts the same height of 7 ft 9 in (2.36m). He was the tallest professional basketball player in the world and was measured by the Guinness World Records.

Singapore is a vibrant sports hub, where sport is accessible and affordable for all citizens. An active lifestyle is in trend here. And it is not just about basketball. The city provides great opportunities for all pickleball lovers, badminton fans, swimmers, and more. Of course, there is a wide choice of football academies for future S League players. As well as a selection of gyms, tennis courts, padel courts, and other sports facilities. Stay tuned for more guides on sports and active living in Singapore!

Featured Image Credit: Scholar Basketball Academy via Facebook