Helsinki NMKY proudly presents the junior basketball tournament – the Helsinki Basketball Festival!
The festival will bring the celebration of basketball to Helsinki on 15–17 May 2026. Packed with experiences and successes, the event showcases the joy of basketball and the beauty of the game.
In addition to the games, the Helsinki Basketball Festival will feature side events and activities for players, guardians, and coaches alike!
Tournament games will be played across the Helsinki area, including venues in Pakila, Malmi, and their surroundings.
Registration for the 2026 tournament opens on 17 September 2025 at 10:00!
Competition Format
The categories at the Helsinki Basketball Festival (for both girls and boys) are as follows:
- U8 (born 2018) – one-day tournament
- U9 (born 2017) – two-day tournament (Sat–Sun)
- U10 Competitive & Fun (born 2016)
- U11 Competitive & Fun (born 2015)
- U12 Competitive & Fun (born 2014)
- U13 Competitive & Fun (born 2013)
- U14 (born 2012)
- U15 (born 2011)
- U16 (born 2010)
- Unified
NOTE: The U8 (born 2018) will be a one-day event. The U9 (born 2017) category will be a two-day event, while the other categories are planned as three-day events.
We reserve the right to modify and merge categories if there are not enough registrations for a specific category.
Registration for the Tournament
Registration for the tournament opens on 17 September 2025 at 10:00.
Teams are accepted in the order of registration. We reserve the right to close or modify categories before the registration deadline depending on the number of participants.
Tournament Office and Results Service
The Tournament Office is located at Namika Arena (Pilkekuja 10, 00660 Helsinki).
Email: helsinkibasketballfestival@hnmky.fi Phone: +358 50 374 0639 (available 11–29 May 2026)
Live results can be followed in real time through the results service.
Schedule
The first group-stage games will start on Friday around 4:00 PM. Playoff games will mostly take place on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Ranking games will be played on Sunday. We guarantee at least four games for all participating teams (except for teams born in 2017, who will have 3 games).
Lost and Found
Lost items can be inquired about during the tournament at the game venues, accommodation schools, and the tournament office. After the tournament, inquiries can be made by contacting the tournament office’s phone number or through the tournament’s email. Please provide your contact information and a description of the lost item, along with where it was lost.
Cafeterias & Food Services
All game venues have kiosks open according to the game schedule. In addition to small snacks and coffee, kiosks at the sports halls are staffed with someone who can assist you with tournament-related questions. A café-restaurant is also available at Namika Arena. Tournament meals are included for all players with an A Pass.
Tournament Staff
The tournament staff is happy to assist with any problems. You can recognize the staff by their Helsinki Basketball Festival shirts. There will also be representatives from the organizing team at the game venues who can help if needed.
First Aid Team
Each game venue will have a first aid kit and tournament staff. A first aid team will be on duty at Namika Arena during the tournament.
Please note that players are not insured by the tournament organizers.