- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) has partnered with Grand Canyon University to utilize their thirteen courts for this summer's basketball tournament which brings together Native communities to compete in basketball education.
The invitational addresses well-being, leadership, and education while celebrating the sport of basketball. Last year, NABI had a record-breaking 144 teams, representing over 150 Tribal Nations.
“NABI is one of the fastest growing basketball tournaments in the country and has rapidly expanded its footprint here in the Valley,” said Grand Canyon President Brian Mueller in a press release. “As one of the fastest growing universities in the country, we are proud to embrace them as part of the GCU family.”
For almost 20 years, NABI has been known for being the largest and most prestigious all-Native American Basketball tournament in North America, serving high school-age youth. NABI has partnered and received sponsorship from many Tribes, as well as the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Nike’s N7 brand.
Basketball is a rallying point in contemporary Native communities that provides a vehicle for historic tribal organizing principles and values, according to Montana State University.
This year NABI is preparing for a total of 160 teams to participate in this summers’ tournament, bringing over 1600 athletes and 400 games to the Phoenix area.
NABI officially tips off this summer from July 22 through July 27 at the Footprint Center. In addition the week will feature a team meet and greet kick-off party, career fair, youth educational summit and conclude with the televised final four and championship games.
“This new partnership is a great opportunity for NABI and the exciting place we find ourselves,” said NABI President GinaMarie Scarpa in a press release. “Over the years we were constantly trying to secure courts to meet our tremendous growth. Staying in the central Phoenix area is also very important to NABI and the youth we serve as the exciting city of Phoenix offers so much to our youth athletes who travel from remote reservations all over the U.S., Canada and as far away as New Zealand. Add our 20-year partnership with Footprint Center, where the NABI Championship games are held, and our commitment to providing higher educational programs and opportunities during NABI week; GCU is a perfect fit for NABI.”
More Stories Like This
Q&A: Sicangu Lakota Filmmaker Yvonne Russo on Her New Hulu Series, 'Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae'Third Annual Tribal Museums Day Centers Diverse Histories, Cultures & Lifeways
Tommy Orange's "Wandering Stars" Makes TIME's 100 Must-Read Books of 2024 List
Barbie Honors Maria Tallchief, America’s First Prima Ballerina, with Inspiring Women Doll for Native American Heritage Month
10 Native American Artists and Musicians You Should Know
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
