Second edition of NBA Rising Stars Invitational set this June

NBA Rising Stars Invitational

The National Basketball Association officially announced that it will bring back the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in a couple of months.

Launched last year, the second edition of the competition bringing together select 18-and-under boys' and girls' teams across the Asia-Pacific will take place at the OCBC Arena in Singapore this June 22-28.

In sharing the announcement, NBA Asia's Head of Southeast Asia Sheila Rasu notes, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational set a benchmark for high-school basketball in Asia-Pacific.  As we return to Singapore for the consecutive second year, we look forward to delivering another unforgettable week of programming featuring some of the region’s best young talent, brought to life through the NBA’s signature mix of sports and family-friendly entertainment."

Done in collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board, supported by the Karim Family Foundation, and operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, twelve teams each from the boys' and girls' division will tangle in round robin action before heading into the knockout phase.

Teams were selected with the assistance of the national basketball federations and leagues, as well as through local qualifying tournaments in Bangkok, Melbourne, Taipei, and Tokyo. As hosts, Singapore has been granted two teams in both divisions.

Aside from competition, players will also go through skill development sessions, social impact programming, and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange. Outstanding ballers will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases, and programs.

Gracing the proceedings are Jeremy Lin and Lauren Jackson, with both set to interact with the participants throughout the week. The former shares, "I’m incredibly excited to be part of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore.  There is so much young talent across Asia-Pacific, and I’m proud to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on some of the region’s top prospects.  Helping shape the next generation is a cause I’m deeply committed to, and I hope my journey encourages these rising stars to make the most of this opportunity and ultimately contribute to greater Asian representation at the highest levels of the game."

As for the latter, she says, "Last year’s NBA Rising Stars Invitational was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, and I witnessed firsthand how much the stage and experience meant to the players.  I look forward to returning to Singapore this June and helping these amazing athletes continue their development."

Aside from the two champions, additional current and former NBA players will be heading to the Lion City for the event.

In addition to the action, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will also have additional activations in place all week for fans, including community outreach initiatives, photo opportunities, authentic NBA memorabilia, player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as live entertainment and interactive fan experiences.

From the perspective of the hosts, SportSG Deputy Chief of Industry Development Group Dean Tan says, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in 2025 was an outstanding success, with 22 teams from 11 countries competing, more than 9,000 local and international spectators catching the action live, and many more watching online.  This year’s tournament builds on last year’s success and will be a platform that connects youths across borders and sharpens their skills, through high-level competition and elite mentorship from NBA talents and legends.  We look forward to witnessing students who have qualified through Singapore’s largest annual inter-school competition take centre stage alongside our region’s top youth talents, showcasing the next generation of top basketball players on home ground."

STB Director of Sports Lilian Chee adds, "We are delighted to welcome the return of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational to Singapore.  The tournament enhances Singapore’s vibrant events landscape and reinforces our position as a premier sporting destination.  We look forward to hosting the young athletes from across Asia-Pacific alongside their families and friends, as well as NBA players.  Beyond the competition, we hope they will create memorable experiences, forge meaningful connections, and draw inspiration from their time in Singapore."

For more details on the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, one can check out www.nbarisingstarsinvitational.com. The competition is also on Instagram and YouTube.