Nike Basketball: The Courtyard, Manila

Why, in a country where the court is the heart of the community, do so many ballers feel sidelined?

Post-lockdown, Filipino ballers felt sidelined. Public courts? Battlegrounds for status, time and gender. High-level training? A privilege for the few.

What if Nike built a court where everyone feels at home?

In the Philippines, courts aren’t just for hoops. They’re community hubs. Why not build on that cultural DNA?

The proposition A court where everyone feels at home.

By designing the court, the programming and the booking system ourselves, then inviting the community to play.

Enter The Courtyard: not just a court, but a basketball home in the heart of Manila. We mixed local art (shout-out to @Kiefsix) with Nike’s swagger, creating a space that’s part skills lab, part community centre and 100% basketball haven. We designed the court itself, crafted the programming, developed the booking system, launched the court and invited the community to play.

We built more than a court; we created a cultural epicentre. Ballers from all walks now have a place to play, learn and connect. Nike scored major points with the community, all in time for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Game recognises game.