Kenneth O’Berg Breaks Down Berlin’s Top Basketball Courts
From scenic spots to colorful courts, the model and local baller also discusses the city’s basketball scene.
Off the back of its recent European tour, which saw the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic bringing the heat to Berlin and London, the NBA’s fanbase in Europe is hard to ignore.
During our visit to Berlin to catch the first leg of the event, we connected with model, creative and, of course, local baller, Kenneth O’Berg, to give his insight into the popularity of basketball in his city. “Berlin’s basketball scene is very organic,” he explains of the impact the sport has. “There’s no single style, it’s influenced by culture, music, fashion, and street life. It’s less structure, more expression. You don’t come here to fit in, you come to be yourself.”
As the leading basketball league in the world, people from around the globe tune into the NBA. Whether it’s waking up early or falling asleep late to catch the games, its fanbase extends beyond the US.
The league’s expansion into the continent has been brewing for some time, with O’Berg describing it as “a big step and long overdue.” Adding, “Europe has so much talent and passion for the game, bringing the NBA closer helps inspire the next generation and connects global basketball culture in a more authentic way.”
We followed O’Berg around the city to visit some of his favorite courts. From colorful spaces to scenic spots that showcase Berlin’s brutalism — read more to find out where you can ball when visiting the city.
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Unterhalb der Monumentenbrücke
“This court is raw and underground. It’s under a bridge in Schöneberg, surrounded by graffiti and there’s a lot of history. Many people have shot music videos here, so it’s well-known in the scene. It’s not perfect. The rims aren’t great, you can tell they needed to save money here. But that’s part of the character. It’s loud and real. You come here to work, not for it to look pretty.”
Unterhalb der Monumentenbrücke
Monumentenstraße 16,
10965 Berlin
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SpOrt365 Community
“This one is very different. It’s colorful, open, and located right in the middle of the city. People from everywhere come together here — basketballers, skateboarders, kids, families, music, everything mixes. Anyone can show up, no matter your background or skill level. It’s not just a basketball court, it’s more of a meeting point, that’s what makes it so special.”
SpOrt365
Görlitzer Park,
10999 Berlin
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Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark
“Lastly is the Alba courts [Berlin’s main basketball team’s training ground], it’s all about competition. It’s organized and there are always people there to play. You have constant rounds: next up, 3v3, no long talks — if you play here, you have to be ready. It’s where you come to test yourself and prove your skills.”
Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark
Topsstraße 13,
10437 Berlin
