Where to Play Basketball in New York City

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and New York City is the place to see it in all its professional, collegiate, and pickup forms. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting out, we’ve got everything you need to know about the city’s courts, from where to play streetball to how to watch a Knicks game.

There’s nothing like a game of high-quality pickup basketball, where there are no refs and no subs—just pure hoops. And with hundreds of outdoor courts in New York City, it’s easy to find a pickup game near you. You can also look for indoor basketball courts at recreation centers and in some gyms. You may need to pay a small fee or submit a permit application if you want to organize a league or use the court for organized events.

If you’re interested in honing your skills, you can attend a basketball skill development camp or basketball shooting clinic. These camps are designed for players of all ages and skill levels. During the summer, you can also attend basketball showcases (also known as prospect camps). These camps are typically held on college campuses and are designed for players to demonstrate their skills in front of multiple coaches.

For decades, New Yorkers have been talking about why the state doesn’t produce football talent as well as Indiana or Kentucky. But now, even some insiders are starting to wonder if that excuse isn’t just a copout.