Jordan Brand Announces Return of “The One” Tournament to Crown World’s Best One-on-One Hoopers

Jordan Brand is running it back, announcing the return of The One global basketball tournament: a premier competition that showcases the next generation of elite one-on-one basketball players vying to be crowned The One.

The second iteration of the tournament kicks off this month, starting with the UK qualifiers in London, where boys and girls will battle it out May 24 as part of the Hoopsfix All Star Classic weekend. Regional qualifiers will then take place around the world — from Beijing to Los Angeles, Manila to London. The finals will be streamed live from New York in August, showcasing the incredible talent and fierce competition among the top athletes.

Winners from the boys’ and girls’ brackets, open to hoopers ages 15 to 18, will earn the coveted title of The One and join Jordan Brand as ambassadors.

“The One tournament provides a platform for young athletes from around the world to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “This event embodies Jordan Brand’s spirit of competition and excellence, and we look forward to seeing the incredible performances from these talented hoopers as they chase greatness.”

After qualifying rounds in more than 15 cities throughout the world — including Belgrade, Chicago, Hong Kong, Ljubljana, Paris and Tokyo — 20 athletes will travel to New York in August to test themselves against the best of the best. Hoopers who emerge from the initial New York play-in rounds will then advance to knockout play to compete for a spot in the finals, where male and female winners will ultimately be crowned.

Following the finals, Jordan Brand will host a one-on-one DJ battle with talent from across the globe, concluding a celebration of true basketball culture in the city where it all began.

The One tournament format harks back to the origins of the Jumpman, a product of Michael Jordan’s legendary one-on-one backyard battles against his brother Larry. It was through his unrelenting pursuit to win — despite matchups that often ended in defeat — that he went on to create a legacy of greatness that changed the game of basketball forever.

Just as Jordan Brand’s origin story is rooted in a mentality of defiant confidence, The One is designed to show who’s got next — and inspire the next generation to take their turn.

Less than a year ago, Jordan Brand took over Paris with the original tournament, offering athletes the chance to chase greatness in an unmistakable competition. The 2024 finals, featuring 20 hoopers from around the world, unfolded inside District 23, Jordan Brand’s unprecedented elevation of Paris’ diverse 18th arrondissement into a global sport and cultural hub.

Tatianna Griffin of Los Angeles and Steve Bah of Paris emerged victorious, earning the prestigious title of The One with performances that set the bar for those competing in this year’s tournament.

“The journey to The One was an incredible experience,” says Griffin. “It’s only topped by the experiences I’ve been blessed with since claiming the crown in Paris. To represent the Jumpman is the ultimate symbol of greatness.”

Follow @jumpman23 to learn more.