Best 13 Summer Basketball Leagues To Hone Your Skills

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Venue: King Drew Magnet High School
• Season period: July to August

Renowned for its high-caliber talent, featuring NBA players, overseas pros, and college standouts, the Drew League is an annual summer basketball league conducted in Los Angeles, California.

Founded in 1973, the tournament has, at times, drawn the interest of NBA players seeking a summer competition venue.

Figures such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden have added excitement to the event by participating and engaging with skilled amateurs on the King Drew Magnet High School courts.

• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Venue: Seattle Pacific University
• Season period: July to August

Formerly named the Seattle Pro-Am and overseen by ex-NBA player Doug Christie, "The Crawsover" has proven to be both captivating and dependable, much like its namesake, Jamal Crawford.

Over the course of its 14 years under Crawford's leadership, this league has featured notable NBA stars, including Chris Paul and Kevin Durant, who have donned its uniforms

The typical commencement of the season takes place around mid-July, with the championship games scheduled to take place in August.

• Location: Philadelphia, PA (2023)
• Season period: July to August

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual single-elimination competition held in the United States during the summer, open for application.

The 2023 edition included 64 teams competing for a $1 million prize, awarded to the sole winner, and the event was broadcast by ESPN. Jonathan Mugar established TBT in 2014.

Besides, TBT has seen the involvement of various NBA players, both present and past, such as Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, Royal Ivey, Matt Bonner, Jimmer Fredette, and Brian Scalabrine.

• Location: Uptown New York City
• Venue: Monsignor Kett Playground (Dyckman Park)
• Season period: July to August

The Dyckman Basketball Tournament stands out as a top-tier summer streetball competition in New York City, situated at Monsignor Kett Playground.

From its humble beginnings as a single-division, six-team event in 1990, it has evolved into a multi-age division tournament featuring 77 teams.

The college/pro division, in particular, is the most renowned, where on any given night, spectators may witness the presence of NBA, NCAA, and overseas professional players showcasing their skills on the court.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Venue: Monsignor Community College of Philadelphia
• Season period: August

Held annually in Philadelphia, the Danny Rumph Classic is not just a summer league, it is a Philadelphia hoops institution.

Named for beloved local legend Danny Rumph, the tournament showcases rising high school stars, college ballers, and even the occasional NBA pro for a weekend of intense competition and electrifying Philly vibes.

This iconic institution from Philadelphia proudly symbolizes the basketball culture of their city and draws in notable basketball talents, including James Harden, Lou Williams, and Dion Waiters.

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Venue: Miami Pro Gym
• Season period: June to August

Miami Pro League is a pro-am league that heats up Miami's summers with electrifying basketball.

Founded in 2013, it has become a must-watch for hoops fans, blending NBA stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo with overseas pros, local legends, and even celebrities. The high-flying dunks, fierce competition, and laid-back Miami vibes make it an unmatched spectacle.

Games air on NBA TV and draw in big crowds, with everyone from athletes to influencers catching courtside action.

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Venue: Kipp Atlanta Collegiate
• Season period: July to August

The Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League, established in 2010 by Commissioner Jahi Rawlings, is a Summer Pro-Am League.

Throughout its existence, AEBL gatherings have attracted over 30,000 attendees, engaging with over 5,000 athletes and influencing 50,000 local youth. AEBL summer games will be available for streaming on the NBA platform.

Notable NBA players like Trae Young, Lou Williams, Jose Alvarado, Joe Johnson, Montrezl Harrell, and others have made appearances at AEBL events.

• Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC
• Venue: McDonough Arena
• Season period: July to August

Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner League is a historic pro-am summer league traditionally held at McDonough.

The Metropolitan Boys Club's inaugural director in 1937, Jabbo Kenner, the league's eponym, a former professional boxer, became a coach, friend, and mentor to three successive generations of DC schoolboys.

In 2007, Nike assumed sponsorship of the event, leading to its official designation as the "Nike Pro City Summer League-Washington." However, among the regulars, it is commonly referred to as the Kenner League.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Venue: Under Armour House At Fayette
• Season period: July to August

Baltimore's summertime staple, the Brunson League, is a decade-old pro-am league that brings together NBA stars, rising college prospects, and local Baltimore talent for intense competition and community engagement.

Founded by NBA point guard Jalen Brunson, the league boasts electrifying games, with players like Kevin Durant, Sterling Brown, and Isaiah Todd gracing the court.

Beyond the hardwood, the Brunson League prioritizes giving back, hosting youth clinics, mentorship programs, and charity events.

• Location: Southeast Washington, DC
• Venue: Barry Farm Housing Projects
• Season period: May to August

One of the popular summer leagues in the country, the George Goodman League, originally named in tribute to Mr. George "PAP" Goodman, a resident of Barry Farm known for his work in recreation and mentorship in the community.

Established in 1977 at the Barry Farm Housing Projects by Mr. Ervin Brady, Morty Hamond, and Carlton Reed, the league operated until 1995.

In 1996, Miles Rawls assumed control, and in 2000, the league underwent a renaming to become the George Goodman League.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Venue: Credit Union 1 Arena
• Season period: August

The Dreamville Chi-League tournament is a pro-am competition officially sanctioned by the NBA, renowned for uniting present and past NBA celebrities, standout college players, and legendary high school athletes.

Motivated by a common and profound love for basketball, Wilson and Dreamville have collaborated to breathe new life into one of the sport's most renowned competitions.

Together, they are introducing a fresh three-week tournament in Chicago, harnessing the unquestionable, bonding influence of basketball to involve fans and players of all skill levels within the community.

• Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
• Venue: The Westtown School
• Season period: July

Emphasizing the enjoyment of both players and parents, the Victory Summer Basketball League was established in 2015 (previously known as the West Chester Basketball League).

It provides a chance for youth, middle school, and high school boys and girls teams to engage in basketball activities at The Westtown School.

Each year, the summer league experiences nearly a twofold expansion in size owing to a growing demand. The 2023 tournament comprised 16 Divisions encompassing Boys, Girls, and Men's categories.

• Location: Tucson, Arizona
• Venue: Gregory School
• Season period: June 

The Tucson Summer Pro League (TSPL) in Arizona is the place to be during the summer, attracting talented college athletes and hopeful pro players for intense competition.

It is not just for fans, kids also have their own TSPL games, practicing their skills while cheering for the pros. 

All matches take place during the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at the Gregory School, situated at 3231 N. Craycroft Rd. The league sessions commence in June every year.