Atlanta is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Midnight Basketball Association while getting ready for Season 11 of the City’s own Midnight Basketball League.
Mayor Andre Dickens will help mark the national anniversary Thursday, August 27, at Atlanta City Hall, recognizing the players, coaches, mentors, volunteers and community partners who have helped Atlanta’s program grow since it launched in 2022.
The celebration continues Saturday at Morehouse College with events focused on youth safety, mental health and basketball.
Midnight Basketball in Atlanta
Mayor Andre Dickens’ connection to Midnight Basketball goes back to his time on Atlanta City Council. In 2017, he sponsored and helped launch a Teen “Midnight” Basketball League that combined basketball with workshops focused on life skills and education.
After becoming mayor, Dickens relaunched Midnight Basketball in 2022 for young adults ages 18 to 24. The program gives participants a place to play while connecting them with mentors and resources for jobs, training, education, health and other needs.
Atlanta started with 10 teams. By Season 10, the league had grown to 24 teams — 16 men’s and eight women’s — with additional teams on a waiting list.
The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services works with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Atlanta Police Athletic League to run the program.
“I know what it means when the City and our leaders show up for our young people, and how programs like these can change a young person’s life,” Dickens said.
What’s Happening Saturday
The 40th anniversary celebration continues Saturday, August 29, at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena, 830 Westview Drive SW.
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Midnight Basketball Youth Safety Mental Health Summit
- 3 – 9 p.m.: 40th Anniversary Midnight Basketball Showcase Tournament
- Location: Forbes Arena, Morehouse College, 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Season 11 Starts September 22
Registration is now open for Season 11 of Atlanta’s Midnight Basketball League, with leagues for both men and women.
