A hardwood court in Times Square? Whaaat!?!?

This summer, Nike Inc. will be featuring their 3 basketball brands (Nike, Jordan, and Converse) in the first ever World Basketball Festival taking place in New York City. The festival will be taking international basketball talent and placing it in situations that are iconic to the game. Locations such as Times Square, Rucker Park, and Madison Square Garden will be host to Team USA, China, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and France. This is something that basketball fans across the globe will be paying attention to. I’m not sure how the ticketing situation is working out just yet, but I’ll follow-up as soon as I hear anything.

August 12 - Times Square
Members of Team USA will be featured on an open-air court and a performance by a surprise musical act

August 13 & 14 - Rucker Park
Open-air practices and scrimmages by National Teams from Brazil and Puerto Rico, and training by France, mixed with performances by top international music acts, in addition to a grassroots youth tournament serving as the championships for some of New York’s top summer basketball leagues. Fans will also be invited to participate in clinics here designed to improve training and basketball skills.

August 15 - Madison Square Garden
Double-header featuring the United States taking on France (1 p.m. EDT) and China meeting Puerto Rico (3:30 p.m. EDT)

More details after the jump.

Rendering of the court in Times Square

Rendering of the court at Rucker Park

Rendering of World Basketball Festival branding elements at Madison Square Garden

Kenny “The Jet” Smith & Kevin Durant answer questions about the World Basketball Festival

Yi Jianlian and Kevin Durant model new National Uniforms and sneakers by Nike Basketball

World Basketball Festival graphic depicting USA’s Kevin Durant

World Basketball Festival graphic depicting Brazil’s Anderson Varejao

World Basketball Festival graphic depicting USA’s Chris Paul