UEL hosted the NBA as part of Her Time to Play, a global programme focused on female empowerment and creating opportunities for women in sport and leadership.

The programme coincides with the NBA’s London Game, which returns for the first time since 2019 with a regular-season match between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic at The O2 on January 18.

Hilary Lissenden, executive director of sport strategy and growth at UEL, said: “This week has been about bringing our community together around basketball and recognising the NBA game taking place in London. 

“From referee and coaching clinics to Her Time to Play sessions, we’ve been proud to welcome participants to our Olympic-standard facilities and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement, student experience and talent development.”

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The event saw young women take part in basketball clinics and a leadership panel featuring former WNBA player Briann January and WNBA director of innovation and growth Lauren Dwyer.

Across the UK, more than one million girls disengage from sport during their teenage years, with girls 22 per cent less likely than boys to participate in team sports. Enjoyment of PE also drops from 86 per cent in early childhood to just 56 per cent by ages 14 and 15.

Barriers such as fear of judgment, low confidence and menstruation continue to limit participation, with more than a third of girls avoiding sport at school during their periods. In addition to supporting global programmes like Her Time to Play, UEL runs its own targeted initiatives to address these challenges and improve access and confidence for women and girls in sport.

Erik Brucker from NBA Operations said: “UEL is a fantastic hub for basketball in the UK, especially here in London. The facilities are outstanding, and the university’s investment in the sport is clear to see.

“When basketball is happening in London, UEL should be involved. They have been tremendous hosts, and we’re really grateful for the commitment UEL has shown to growing the game.”