THE KINGS OF THE COURT
Where the culture meets the competition.
Powered by Next Play UK.
Kings of the Court (KOTC) is the competitive and cultural heartbeat of the Next Play UK pathway — a series of high-tempo regional tournaments built on identity, expression, pressure and performance.
This is where moments happen.
This is where players rise.
This is where the regions show what they’re made of.
KOTC isn’t a side product — it’s one of the core routes into the NXT U23 League.
THE REGIONAL SERIES
KOTC tournaments run across three major bases:
- London — the capital’s energy, creativity and pace
- Midlands — central England’s toughness and competitive fire
- North — the rising wave of northern talent and ambition
Each region brings its own identity, style and narrative — giving players the chance to represent where they’re from and compete at a level that moves them forward.
WHAT KOTC LOOKS LIKE
Fast. Expressive. Competitive. Unfiltered.
KOTC events are designed to showcase:
- pace
- creativity
- decision-making under pressure
- individual presence
- ability to impact the game in short bursts
- confidence in big moments
It’s basketball with personality — and the perfect stage for players who thrive in high-intensity environments.
But it’s still part of a bigger system:
KOTC is where standout performances turn into opportunity.
THE GOLDEN TICKET SYSTEM
Stand out here — and you fast-track nto the final stage of the NXT U23 league selection.
At every KOTC regional event, selectors award Golden Tickets to standout players who demonstrate:
- consistency
- impact
- situational reads
- leadership
- competitive presence
- willingness to rise in big moments
A Golden Ticket isn’t a guaranteed league spot —
it’s a guaranteed place at the Final Assessment Day, where league rosters are decided.
It’s recognition that you’ve shown the level needed to be seriously evaluated.
WHAT KOTC SHOWS — AND WHAT IT DOESN’T
Tournament environments spotlight certain strengths:
KOTC HIGHLIGHTS PLAYERS WHO CAN:
- create advantages under pressure
- play with pace
- make assertive, decisive actions
- rise in chaotic or fast-moving situations
- bring identity and presence to the floor
BUT KOTC DOESN’T ALWAYS HIGHLIGHT PLAYERS WHO ARE:
- system-based
- defensive anchors
- structured playmakers
- bigs who rely on service
- quiet leaders
- glue players
- off-ball specialists
- returning from injury
- unavailable or overseas
And that’s why the pathway doesn’t end here.
Players who aren’t selected from KOTC can still:
- attend the next trial window
- submit highlights and full-game film
- be evaluated for Final Assessment Day through the video route
There is more than one way to be seen.
WHO KOTC IS FOR
KOTC is the right environment if you:
- thrive in pace and pressure
- play with confidence and expression
- impact games in short windows
- want a platform that blends competition with culture
- enjoy big moments and open floors
- want to be noticed quickly
It’s a proving ground for bold players — and a celebration of regional identity.
HOW KOTC FITS INTO THE PATHWAY
One of the three entry routes.
One of the strongest stages for visibility.
Many players will enter the pathway through KOTC.
Some will rise here more than anywhere else.
KOTC Regional Tournaments → Golden Tickets → Final Assessment Day → NXT U23 League
This is where the highlight moments happen — and where players put their names in the conversation.
IF YOU’RE NOT SELECTED FROM KOTC
Your journey doesn’t end here.
Basketball doesn’t reveal everything in one setting.
You can still:
- attend an Open Trial for the next KOTC event
- submit highlights or full-game film
- be evaluated for the Final Assessment Day through the video route
Opportunity stays open.
JOIN THE NEXT KOTC EVENT
Bring your identity.
Bring your energy.
Bring your next play.