London, England (June, 1, 2022) – Inspirus Sports Management, in partnership with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), announced the Inaugural NCAA Division I collegiate men’s basketball event, ‘The London Basketball Classic’ to be held Thanksgiving weekend, Thursday, November 24 and Saturday November 26.  Games will take place in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, The GLL, Copper Box Arena, the London 2012 Olympic basketball venue.

The four institutions will make their way across the Atlantic to see who will be crowned the “Kings of the Court” at the London Basketball Classic. The Manhattan College Jaspers will play the Northeastern University Huskies in one semi-final game, while the Princeton University Tigers will take on our fourth team to be named later in the other semi-final.  In this championship format, the two winning teams will advance to play in the championship game and the two other teams will play in the third-place game.

“We are excited to announce NCAA Division I collegiate basketball at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London’s Copper Box Arena on this Jubilee week. The legacy of basketball at the 2012 Olympic Copper Box Arena, home of the BBL London Lions, is a perfect setting for us to host our first London international basketball event. This will be a Thanksgiving to remember for our teams and their fans.  We hope to celebrate in style with the support of the great British basketball fans on November 24th and 26th.” 

Marc Mulholland, Executive Director of the London Basketball Classic, Inspirus Sports

The London Basketball Classic provides an opportunity for Inspirus Sports to highlight its sister company Inspirus Global Education which specialises in international student recruitment on a global scale.

“Inspirus Sports has always been focused on building strong foundations for our international student recruitment portal through Inspirus Global Education.  Our goal is to help U.S. institutions expand their reach to a global audience, which in turn, helps provide life-changing opportunities to prospective students. We are so thankful to these four prestigious institutions who understand the importance of winning both on the court and in the classroom. We are honoured to have them in our inaugural event, the London Basketball Classic.”

Gareth Maguire, Chairman and Founder of Inspirus Sports and Inspirus Global Education
CEO of Sport Changes Life Foundation

"The MAAC membership is pleased to serve as the London Classic’s sponsor and have Manhattan College represent the conference in the event.  The MAAC is committed to providing its student-athletes with opportunities to experience international travel and competition as we seek to introduce local basketball fans to NCAA Division I college hoops.”

Gamechanger Consultancy, Michelle Perry & Rich Ensor, Commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)

“It is a momentous day for Inspirus Sports as we take yet another step in growing our international sporting events portfolio. With today’s announcement, we continue our mission to use sport to nurture relationships across the Atlantic as we reconnect the world through sport, education and business.”

Scott McCarthy, CEO of Inspirus Sports

‍Ticket on sale information, game times and the broadcast schedule will be announced at a later time.‍

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Head Coaches quotes

“Anytime there is an opportunity to travel internationally for the game of basketball, it is a tremendous honor. We are incredibly excited about it, and we are humbled to be chosen for this event. We can’t wait to go to London, learn about their culture, and play two terrific games. We are looking forward to Jasper Nation traveling and supporting us as they did in Belfast. We want this to be not just a basketball experience but a Manhattan College community experience."

Steve Masiello, Manhattan College Men’s Basketball Head Coach

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“We are thrilled to be one of the four teams to participate in the London Classic this year. It is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes to play in front of an international audience while representing Princeton University. We are thankful for this opportunity and excited to compete with the other teams in London.”

Mitch Henderson, Princeton University Men’s Basketball Head Coach

“As a program, we are always looking to play a competitive non-conference schedule that prepares our team for the rigors of league play,” said head coach Bill Coen. “To have the opportunity to do that at the 2022 London Basketball Classic, as well as provide our student-athletes with a once-in-a-lifetime global experience, is an opportunity that they will never forget.”

Bill Coen, Northeastern University Men’s Basketball Head Coach‍

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