international basketball tournament in Zaandam

On May 1 and 2, 2026, the first edition of the World Hoops Classic will take place at Sporthal Zaanstad Zuid in Zaandam. This new international basketball tournament in North Holland is organized by TNS Basketball Academy together with Chris Staples, former Harlem Globetrotter and internationally known dunk champion. Together, they aim to create a weekend where competition, basketball culture, and the experience of the sport come together.

The World Hoops Classic centers around an international 5-on-5 basketball tournament, complemented by youth basketball clinics, a three-point contest, and a spectacular dunk contest. Admission for spectators is free throughout the entire weekend, allowing not only players but also families, friends, and basketball fans to experience the event up close. This first edition also marks the beginning of an ambition to grow the World Hoops Classic into an annual basketball event in North Holland.

An international 5-V-5 basketball tournament

The centerpiece of the weekend is the 5-on-5 basketball tournament. Teams from different backgrounds will have the opportunity to compete against each other in a competitive and challenging environment.

What makes the tournament unique is its open format. Both club teams and self-assembled teams can participate and compete together in the same tournament. This creates interesting matchups and unexpected encounters between teams that would normally never face each other.

The tournament is aimed at players aged 16 and older who have experience and a competitive mindset. Whether teams come from an existing club structure or are formed specifically for this event, the goal is the same: play at a high level and test yourself against strong opponents. For spectators, this means two days of exciting and intense games.

Because this is the first edition of the World Hoops Classic, the event has a special character. At the same time, the organization is clearly looking ahead. The goal is to build a tournament that can grow over time and eventually become a recognizable annual event for players and fans.

More than just games

In addition to the tournament, several activities throughout the weekend will showcase basketball in different ways.

A three-point contest will give shooters the opportunity to demonstrate their long-range precision. There will also be a dunk contest, known for spectacular jumps, creativity, and the electric atmosphere it brings to the arena.

On the second day, Chris Staples will perform a special dunk show, promising to be one of the highlights of the program. This combination of competition and entertainment ensures that the World Hoops Classic is not only exciting for participants but also for visitors who want to experience basketball up close.

Basketball clinics for Youth

The World Hoops Classic also focuses on young players. Both mornings will start with basketball clinics for youth aged 8 to 18.

During these clinics, participants will work on essential basketball skills such as ball handling, shooting technique, movement, and game awareness. The sessions are designed to inspire young players and help them continue developing their game.

What makes the clinics extra special is the environment in which they take place. Participants will train in the same sports hall where the tournament and games are held later that day, allowing them not only to train but also to experience the atmosphere of a larger basketball event.

Twee dagen basketbal in Zaandam

The World Hoops Classic program features two full days of basketball. Spectator access is free throughout the entire weekend.

Friday, May 1, 2026

09:00–11:00 — Basketball Clinics

12:15 — Opening Ceremony

12:40–16:50 — Tournament Games

16:50–17:20 — Three-Point Contest

17:20–19:00 — Tournament Games

Saturday, May 2, 2026

09:00–11:00 — Basketball Clinics

11:30–13:30 — Tournament Games

13:50–14:00 — Dunk Show

14:00–15:00 — Dunk Contest

15:15–18:45 — Tournament Games

19:00–20:00 — Award Ceremony

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy games, special basketball events, and an energetic sports atmosphere.

A New Basketball Event with Ambition

In recent years, basketball has been gaining increasing attention in the Netherlands. Through social media, the growth of street basketball, and the popularity of 3×3 basketball, the sport continues to reach a wider audience.

With the World Hoops Classic, the organization aims to contribute to this development by creating an event where players, teams, and fans come together. For Zaandam and the surrounding region, it represents a new addition to the sports calendar.

The first edition of the World Hoops Classic is therefore not only a new basketball tournament, but also the beginning of an event with the ambition to grow into a recurring annual meeting point for basketball in North Holland.