LONDON LIONS REVEAL PLANS FOR WORLD-CLASS BASKETBALL STADIUM IN THE CAPITAL
London is set to become a major force in European basketball as the London Lions announce plans to build a world-class, purpose-built stadium in the capital. The ambitious project aims to provide a long-term home for elite basketball while also serving as a hub for grassroots development and community engagement.
The proposed state-of-the-art facility will house both the London Lions men’s and women’s teams, offering top-tier training and game-day environments. Additionally, it will support youth programmes designed to nurture the next generation of basketball talent and ensure the sport continues to grow across the city. The initiative aligns with the Mayor of London’s vision for sustainable urban development and greener spaces.
With the Lions setting their sights on returning to elite European competition and the mayor pushing to bring more NBA games and activities to London, the new stadium could establish the city as a premier destination for basketball on the global stage.
The announcement follows the mayor’s recent commitment to create a first-of-its-kind basketball taskforce to expand the sport’s reach in London. Figures indicate that basketball is the UK’s second most popular team sport, with over 1.5 million people playing weekly.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has welcomed the plans and pledged City Hall’s support in identifying a site and providing technical expertise. “London is now the sporting capital of the world, and I am thrilled to support the London Lions as they pursue their ambitious vision to establish a state-of-the-art basketball facility in our city,” Khan said. “This venue can be a major new hub for basketball in the capital, creating positive opportunities for young people, attracting new fans to the sport and hosting more events which would provide a significant boost to the economy.”
Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonet and owner of the London Lions, echoed this enthusiasm: “London Lions has the potential to build a basketball stronghold in Europe, powered by incredible local talent and strong ties to a rapidly growing fan community. The Lions have the appetite to compete – and win – against the best in Europe, and we are thrilled to support them on this journey. Such ambitions and goals require a dedicated top-tier venue. Today we are announcing our intention to build a fitting new home for the Lions to usher in a bright new era for the club and the city.”
London Lions CEO Lenz Balan added: “Our ambition is to put London firmly on the global basketball map, and this project is a major step in that journey. We want to create a world-class purpose-built home for elite hoops and a place where the community can come together to experience the energy and passion of basketball at the highest level.”
Tesonet, which acquired the club in summer 2024 and saved it from potential extinction, has expressed full commitment to funding the stadium if all construction requirements are met. The company, best known for bootstrapping the Lithuania-based cybersecurity giant Nord Security (valued at $3 billion), also holds a stake in BC Zalgiris, a EuroLeague team that consistently sells out its 15,000-seat Zalgirio Arena. Zalgiris serves as a model for sustainable basketball club management in Europe, demonstrating the financial viability of a dedicated basketball venue.
Purpose-built arenas enhance both the playing and fan experience, bringing spectators closer to the action and creating an electric atmosphere. They also provide tailored facilities for training and performance, helping attract top-tier talent and foster the next generation of stars.
For now, the Lions will continue to play at the Copper Box Arena while development plans progress. Further details, including the stadium’s location and construction timeline, are expected in the coming months.
