Plans for a 25,000-capacity NBA basketball arena named the London Colosseum have been announced, set to be built in the Olympic Park near the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. The project is a collaboration between Jericho Estates, Peacock Gym, Torch Sports, and architects Chybik and Kristof.
New Arena Details
The London Colosseum would become the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom, surpassing the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live in Manchester, the 23,000-capacity Manchester Arena, and the O2 Arena in Greenwich. The venue is designed to host NBA Europe league games, world championship boxing, and global esports events.
Design and Functionality
Ondrej Chybik of Chybik and Kristof Architects stated: “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.”
The proposal includes a multifunctional tower featuring a hotel, residences, and community facilities, extending the site's use beyond events and integrating it into the city's daily life.
NBA Europe League Context
With the NBA planning a new Europe-based league expected to launch in 2027 or 2028, London and Manchester have been identified as flagship cities. While the London franchise bidding is yet to conclude, plans for this large-scale venue are being announced. It is unclear if this project is separate from efforts led by the London Lions and Mayor Sadiq Khan to find land for a 20,000-capacity court within the M25.
The same area of London previously saw plans for a large sphere akin to the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas denied at the planning stage. The London Colosseum could potentially compete with the O2 Arena, which hosted NBA basketball this year when the Orlando Magic faced the Memphis Grizzlies.
