It's that time of year again as we prepare to tip off the 2026 St John's College Basketball Tournament, brought to you by Standard Bank!
St John's College is proud to bring you the 21st edition of the St John's College Basketball Tournament, brought to you by Standard Bank, running from 19 to 22 February 2026.
This is the biggest boys' school hoops tournament in Southern Africa—an unmissable opportunity for brands looking to connect with this vibrant youth market and their families. This sponsorship deck outlines a range of strategic opportunities designed to give your brand maximum visibility and meaningful engagement at one of Southern Africa's premier youth sports events.
This fixture on the boys' school basketball calendar continues to grow, drawing players and spectators from across South Africa and beyond. In 2025, the tournament attracted more than 4 000 spectators, despite inclement weather (excluding the ballers themselves), offering brands access to a highly engaged and valuable market.
The 2026 lineup is stacked: the U19A division features 20 teams, we're adding a new U19B division with 8 teams, and the U15 division brings 24 teams ready to compete. These divisions will deliver competitive, stop-start format basketball, with group stages followed by knockout rounds that build to an electrifying final day. The U13 division welcomes 15 teams in a development-focused festival format, ensuring every young player enjoys four days of pure hoops without the pressure of rankings.
The tournament will showcase top local schools, interprovincial squads from across South Africa, plus international teams representing Mauritius and Zimbabwe. Games will run at St John's College and two additional indoor venues, utilising up to nine courts for smooth scheduling and weather contingency.
Beyond the high-energy court action, the event creates the perfect arena for brands to engage meaningfully with this dynamic audience. With food vendors, a bar area, VIP Lounge, merchandise stalls, and chill-out lounges courtside, sponsors have multiple touchpoints to make a lasting impact.
From on-court branding to courtside activations and VIP hospitality, we've created packages that put your brand front and centre with young athletes, their families, and the broader basketball community.
Don't miss your shot!