William Eichler 05 August 2026

Council partners with NBA star to launch basketball court redevelopment

Council partners with NBA star to launch basketball court redevelopment image
Cllr Pat Callaghan, Cabinet Member for Community Resilience, NBA champion OG Anunoby, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and Cllr James Slater, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden © Camden Council

Camden Council has partnered with NBA champion OG Anunoby to redevelop the Argyle Square basketball court in central London as part of the Mayor of London’s Basketball Taskforce.

The high-profile project, backed by the Greater London Authority and the NBPA Foundation, aims to transform the popular court near King’s Cross into a flagship destination for grassroots basketball in London.

Camden-born New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, who helped his team secure the 2026 NBA Championship, will support the project by contributing to the court’s design and engaging with the local basketball community ahead of refurbishment works.

The upgraded Argyle Square basketball court will provide improved facilities for players, support youth development and strengthen London’s growing basketball scene.

The project will also honour the memory of local player Anthony 'TJ' Hibbert, who died in a car crash in 2025 at the age of 24, in partnership with community group Argyle Kings.

The redevelopment forms part of Camden Council’s Green Space Investment programme, with wider improvements planned for Argyle Square Gardens. Community engagement is currently underway, with final proposals expected in the coming weeks as the council looks to establish one of London's premier grassroots basketball venues.

Comment

Cllr Sagal Abdi-Wali, leader of Camden Council, said: ‘I’m very excited to partner with the Mayor of London and the GLA, working alongside Camden Council, to refurbish a basketball court in Camden. Access to quality courts and facilities is key for young, aspiring basketball players. Basketball can lead to a career or education, but for many it’s also a way to build community and connect with others.’

OG Anunoby, US National Basketball Association (NBA) star, added: ‘We want residents and visitors to have access to a diverse range sports in Camden and high-quality facilities. That’s why we’re looking into how the court can reach its fullest potential, not just through refurbishment but also by investing in low-cost access and coaching – ensuring that every young person in Camden has the opportunity to discover a new sport, new skills and potentially a new pathway.’

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, commented: ‘Argyle Square Gardens is not only the birthplace of the best community I've ever been a part of, but it is also where I've met some of the best friends I could ever ask for. We're all incredibly grateful for the council's willingness to collaborate with us, and we're excited to get started, see the work progress, and witness the final outcome. I hope the court continues to be the heart of the community, providing opportunities for the next generation of basketball players to grow, develop, and thrive – not only as athletes but as people.’

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