News Summary
The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League is taking place in Memphis, attracting top AAU basketball teams and offering young athletes a chance to showcase their skills. With over 400 college coaches attending, the tournament is expected to boost the local economy by approximately $4.5 million through tourism and spending. Coinciding with local festivals, the event is set to be the largest in Nike’s history, enhancing Memphis’s reputation as a host for major events while engaging the community in a celebration of youth sports.
Memphis Hosts Nike Elite Youth Basketball League This Weekend, Anticipating Economic Boost
The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) is taking place in Memphis from May 16-18, 2025, at the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC). This tournament attracts some of the finest AAU basketball teams in the country, featuring players aged 17 and under, marking a significant event in the youth sports calendar.
Hundreds of young athletes have traveled to Memphis for this competitive tournament, which is set to conclude on Sunday at 5 p.m. The entire event is also being livestreamed, allowing basketball fans who cannot attend in person to follow the action from anywhere.
The timing of the Memphis EYBL event is particularly notable, as it falls during a “live” recruiting period. More than 400 college coaches are expected to be in attendance, providing a unique opportunity for young players to showcase their skills to potential recruiters.
Significant Economic Impact Expected
This year’s session is projected to be the largest in Nike’s history, which suggests a substantial influx of visitors to the city. The economic impact of the event is anticipated to be around $4.5 million, primarily attributed to hotel bookings and dining expenditures. Over 8,000 hotel nights are expected to be reserved during the tournament, contributing positively to the local economy.
A Community Celebration
The EYBL is coinciding with other local events such as the Smokeslam Barbecue Festival and the Memphis in May festival, which are expected to enhance the overall experience for attendees and promote Memphis as a vibrant city that hosts diverse events.
Kiyla Glasper, general manager of the MSEC, is optimistic about the event’s implications for future tourism and the city’s reputation as a host for major gatherings. Glasper, with her extensive experience in tournament management, highlights Memphis’s capacity for hospitality and its potential to offer visitors both a competitive sports environment and a warm welcome.
Call for Community Engagement
Community members are encouraged to embrace this influx of visitors and maintain a welcoming atmosphere, which not only enhances the experience for attendees but also showcases the city’s southern hospitality. Coach Norton Hurd IV, who serves as the program director for Team Thad, has pointed out the high level of competition expected at this tournament, attributing it to the presence of elite young talent.
Tickets for the EYBL event are available to the public at a price of $15, making it accessible for families and basketball enthusiasts in the area. This opportunity allows more individuals to experience the excitement of top-tier youth basketball while supporting the local community and economy.
A Focus on Future Events
The collaboration between MSEC, Nike, and Memphis Tourism aims to showcase Memphis not just as a basketball hub but also as a city that can host major events across various sectors. With expectations set high for this year’s tournament, stakeholders are looking forward to building on the momentum generated to attract future events and visitors to the region.
Overall, the Memphis EYBL tournament is positioned to be an exciting showcase of youth basketball talent while simultaneously boosting the local economy and highlighting the city’s capacity for large-scale events. Sporting fans, community members, and local businesses alike are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating weekend.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memorial Day Events in Memphis
- Local Memphis: Nike EYBL Economic Impact
- WREG: Fun Events in Memphis
- Commercial Appeal: Smokeslam BBQ Fest
- StyleBlueprint: Memphis Events in May
- Wikipedia: Nike Elite Youth Basketball League
