For decades, South African basketball has been building its culture one court at a time. From township blacktops and community courts to university tournaments and streetball showdowns, the sport has continued to grow through passion, creativity and an unmistakable local style. Now, that culture once again takes centre stage as Red Bull Half Court returns for its second South African season.
Registration is officially open for Red Bull Half Court 2026, giving teams from across the country an opportunity to compete for a place at the World Final in Manila, Philippines.
Widely regarded as one of the fastest-paced formats in the game, Red Bull Half Court strips basketball down to its most intense form. Played three-on-three on a half court, matches run for just ten minutes, or until a team reaches 21 points. The result is a high-energy contest where every possession matters and momentum can shift in seconds.
Adding to the excitement is Red Bull’s unique “Own the Court” rule. The highest-scoring team in each group automatically advances to the next round, regardless of their overall win-loss record. It is a format that rewards attacking basketball and ensures teams continue pushing for points until the final buzzer.
For South African players, the competition feels like a natural extension of the country’s streetball culture. The local game has long been about more than just winning. It is about style, personality, music, community and the moments that bring spectators to their feet. Those elements were on full display at last year’s National Final at Wits University, where basketball, culture and entertainment came together in front of an energetic crowd.
The growth of the sport in South Africa has been impossible to ignore. The country now boasts professional men’s and women’s competitions through the Basketball National League, representation in the Basketball Africa League, and a rapidly expanding youth talent pool inspired by both local heroes and global stars. As opportunities continue to grow, competitions such as Red Bull Half Court provide another platform for players to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Red Bull Half Court 2025 Winners: Image credit: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
The journey begins with three regional qualifying events taking place across the country in August.
KwaZulu-Natal teams will compete on 1 August at the Durban University of Technology, followed by the Gauteng qualifier on 2 August at Emeris Sandton. The Western Cape qualifier will then take place on 7 August at the University of Cape Town.
Successful teams will earn a place at the National Final in Johannesburg on 22 August, where South Africa’s top men’s and women’s teams will battle for national honours and a coveted ticket to the Red Bull Half Court World Final.
The ultimate prize awaits in Manila on 5 December 2026, where the national champions will represent South Africa against the world’s best streetball teams.
Teams can register with a squad of three to four players. Participants must be 18 years or older, with at least three members of each team required to be South African residents. No substitutions will be permitted on game day, making team chemistry and preparation more important than ever.
Spectators can attend all qualifying events and the National Final free of charge, while teams are encouraged to secure their spots as early as possible due to limited entries.
Registrations are now open through Red Bull Half Court South Africa.
For South African basketball players dreaming of taking their game beyond local courts and onto the world stage, the road to Manila starts now.
