The National Basketball Association (NBA) is bringing a fresh wave of basketball energy to Singapore this June with the launch of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, a regional high school tournament designed to showcase emerging talent across Asia-Pacific. In a landmark move to deepen its commitment to community development, the NBA has partnered with the Karim Family Foundation (KFF) as its Official Community Partner.

Set to take place at the Kallang Alive Precinct from June 25 to 29, the inaugural event will gather standout boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 countries and territories for an immersive five-day celebration of basketball, culture, and community spirit.

The collaboration was formally announced at Spectra Secondary School, where NBA Asia’s Head of Marketing Communications Sheila Rasu and KFF Principal Cindy Karim unveiled the partnership during a launch event that included a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic for students.

Championing youth through basketball

As the Official Community Partner, KFF will play a pivotal role in the tournament’s outreach efforts. The foundation will headline a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic on June 28, welcoming local boys and girls aged 10-12, including participants from SportCares, an initiative by Sport Singapore that supports vulnerable youth through sports.

The tournament’s final day will feature a “Her Time to Play” clinic and leadership panel, led by a WNBA legend, aiming to empower young girls and promote leadership among women in sports.

“We are delighted to support the NBA Rising Stars Invitational,” said KFF’s Cindy Karim. “Sports can inspire ambition, build character, and unite communities. Our partnership with the NBA reflects our mission to motivate young athletes in Singapore to chase professional dreams and to help shape Singapore into a dynamic regional sporting hub.”

Sheila Rasu echoed this sentiment, adding, “The Karim Family Foundation is a cornerstone of the Singapore community. Their commitment to empowering youth through basketball perfectly aligns with our goals for this tournament.”

A platform for the region’s top young talent

Organized by NBA Singapore’s event agencies, the Rising Stars Invitational marks the league’s first-ever regional high school basketball tournament. Featuring boys’ and girls’ divisions for players aged 18 and under, the event will begin with round-robin matches from June 25–27, followed by semi-finals and finals on June 28–29.

Beyond competition, participating athletes will engage in skill development, community service, and off-court programs that encourage cultural exchange and personal growth.

The NBA’s broader grassroots initiatives, including Jr. NBA and Her Time to Play, will serve as key pillars of the event. These programs focus on building character, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing the youth basketball experience for players, coaches, and families.

More details on tickets, sponsors, and media coverage are expected soon. For updates, visit nba.com/risingstarsinvitational.