New London stadium could host NBA games in ‘ambitious multi-sport project’

Plans for a new 25,000-seater venue in London to become the UK’s biggest arena have been revealed.

The London Colosseum is seen as the capital’s most ambitious project since the 2012 Olympic Park.

CHYBIK + KRISTOF Architects

The arena has been proposed by a consortium, including Torch Sports, CHYBIK + KRISTOF Architects and charitable organisation Peacock Gym.

The idea is for the arena to be built in East London in the Olympic Park, near the London Stadium, where West Ham United play.

One of the driving factors behind the venue is for London to have an NBA franchise in the proposed European League.

NBA Europe is currently being drawn up by the National Basketball Association and the International Basketball Association.

Plans for the NBA to expand into Europe were announced in March 2025 and work is being made towards turning it into reality.

There is currently a Euroleague Basketball, but the NBA want to challenge that with their own league.

The UK would very much be in contention for at least one team, with Manchester and London seen as the ideal contenders.

Manchester has the Co-Op Live Arena, and the Colosseum would be the permanent home of the London side.

Kevin Davis, director of Jericho Estates, said: “As a global city with a track record for world-class venues, the London Colosseum will be the most ambitious multi-sport project since the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“We are in active talks with international partners who recognise that these three sports will drive significant economic and cultural impact and add significant growth to the UK economy.”

Solomon Curtis, director of Torch Sports, added: “The NBA’s London expansion requires a venue capable of supporting the capital’s franchise. The London Colosseum will fulfil this demand as an elite basketball anchor.”

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What other sports?

This indoor arena is being designed with basketball in mind, but it isn’t the only sport.

Major boxing events are also very much on the cards.

Currently, big boxing fights either take place at the O2 Arena or the Co-Op Live.

But then there is another category of fight, involving the true superstars, that requires stadiums to be used.

So, a 25,000-seater would be a happy medium for certain events, and the two big British boxing promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are fully supportive of this new London Colosseum.

Away from boxing, the ever-popular esports would also have a home at this arena.

On the extra sports, Curtis said: “At the same time, its integration of world-class boxing and esports – with the potential to programme other major arts and cultural events as demand dictates – ensures it serves the broader London community and guarantees year-round commercial success.”

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What else is there?

Attached to the arena, there will be a tower, containing a hotel and community facilities.

There will also be a mini Colosseum attached to the main venue, serving as an academy.

Within this, there will be a specialised boxing gym, esports and basketball training facilities.

Ondrej Chybik, founding partner of CHYBIK + KRISTOF Architects, said: “The London Colosseum’s bowl design allows the arena floor to effortlessly adapt to accommodate 18,000 and up to 25,000 spectators across diverse sporting and entertainment events.

“By prioritising genuine multifunctionality, the arena and its surrounding public spaces are built to evolve, actively combating the inefficiency of traditional, single-use stadiums.

“A key component of the proposal is a multifunctional tower, featuring a hotel, residences and community facilities, that brings together hospitality, residential, and community uses, extending the life of the site beyond event-based programming and embedding it within the everyday rhythm of the city.”