Basketball in Richmond VA

Basketball is a year-round passion in Richmond, played everywhere from neighborhood blacktops and high school gyms to major collegiate arenas. The city’s courts bustle with activity at all levels, from youth leagues and adult rec teams to nationally ranked college programs. Whether you’re a fan looking to catch a fast-paced game or a visitor who wants to shoot some hoops while exploring the city, Richmond offers something for every basketball lover.

Local Legends and Streetball Culture

Richmond’s basketball roots run deep. Neighborhood courts like Hotchkiss Field and Pine Camp have produced generations of local talent, and summer tournaments—often complete with food trucks and DJ sets—draw crowds and create community. Pick-up games thrive across the city, where the mix of veterans and up-and-comers reflects the competitive and collaborative spirit that defines Richmond hoops.

The city has also produced basketball legends who went on to shine on national and international stages. Moses Malone, a Hall of Famer and three-time NBA MVP, was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and began his basketball journey in the Richmond area. More recently, NBA players like Ed Davis, who attended Benedictine High School in Richmond, and Johnny Newman, a standout at the University of Richmond, have roots in the region. Frank Mason III, the 2017 Naismith College Player of the Year, hails from nearby Petersburg and played high school basketball at Petersburg High School.

High School Powerhouses

The city is home to some of Virginia’s most respected high school programs, including John Marshall High School, which frequently ranks among the best in the nation. In the 2024–25 season, John Marshall's boys' basketball team achieved a 25-2 record, showcasing their dominance in the Virginia Class 2 Region A title. Other standouts like Varina High School and Trinity Episcopal have also made waves on the state and national stage, regularly sending players to college programs around the country.

Local high school gyms are packed on game nights, with fans coming out in force to support their teams. Alumni from Richmond-area schools often go on to play in Division I programs and professional leagues, carrying the city’s basketball legacy forward.

College Hoops

Basketball fans can catch high-level college action throughout the season. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a Division I powerhouse with a passionate fan base and a history of NCAA tournament success, including a Final Four run in 2011. Their home court at the Stuart C. Siegel Center is one of the loudest and most energetic arenas in the country, routinely selling out games and generating national attention for its electric atmosphere.

Nearby, the University of Richmond Spiders offer another strong program, known for their tactical play and consistent performances in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Their historic Robins Center Arena provides a more intimate game-day experience, and the team has a history of Cinderella runs in the NCAA tournament, making them a local favorite.

Where to Play

Visitors looking to get in on the action will find courts all over town. Outdoor parks like Monroe Park, Chimborazo Playground, and Battery Park have well-maintained public courts that stay busy throughout the year. Hotchkiss Field Community Center and the Bellemeade Community Center offer both indoor and outdoor options.

The Richmond YMCA and community rec centers provide drop-in times, pickup games, and short-term passes for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick game or organized league play, it’s easy to find a place to shoot around and meet local players. Fun fact, the YMCA is actually credited with the invention of Basketball, by James Naismith all the way back in 1890!

Tournaments and Events

Throughout the year, Richmond hosts basketball tournaments that draw regional and national teams. Events like the Big Shots RVA tournament bring elite youth talent to the city and give local players a platform to shine. AAU showcases, summer leagues, and all-star games regularly take place at facilities across the region.

These events aren’t just great for players—they’re also ideal for visitors looking to watch high-level basketball in an intimate setting. Scouting services and college recruiters often attend, making these tournaments a key stop in the journey for tomorrow’s stars.

A City That Lives the Game

Basketball in Richmond isn’t just a sport—it’s part of the city’s identity. The sense of community that forms around the game is unmistakable, whether you’re watching a game at the Siegel Center or hearing cheers echo from a school gym on a Friday night. The region continues to invest in its basketball infrastructure, with renovated courts, expanded programming for youth, and support for emerging talent.

If you love basketball, Richmond invites you to play, watch, and be a part of its deep and proud hoops culture.