ROAD
TO PARIS
2026
A two-day, indoor 15U boys basketball tournament hosting up to 52 teams across 5 hardwood courts in the heart of Newark. The champion earns the title of Road to Paris Champion — and the opportunity to take their game international, with full logistics support from the Tournament Committee in pursuit of competition in Paris this summer.
The Tournament,
By the Lines
Champions Earn Their Shot.
The team that wins Sunday's Championship earns the title of Road to Paris Champion — and the opportunity to compete on an international stage. The Tournament Committee coordinates and supports the winning team's travel to Paris for an international youth streetball experience this summer.
- Road to Paris Champion title and trophy
- Committee-coordinated international travel and lodging
- Team gear and equipment for the Paris experience
- Opportunity to compete in an international youth streetball event in Paris
- Newark championship designation throughout the journey
Two Days.
One Bracket.
One Champion.
Pool Play
Up to 52 teams seeded into as many as 13 pools of 4. Round-robin within each pool. Every team is guaranteed three games — no "one and done."
Pool standings drop after the final whistle Saturday. Top 16 teams advance to Sunday's bracket.
Bracket
Single elimination. 13 pool winners + 3 wildcards seeded #1 through #16. Round of 16 → Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Final.
The Championship runs at 2 PM on the main court. Awards and the Paris announcement follow at 3 PM.
Eligibility & Rules
Age — 15U Boys
All players must be born in 2011 or later, in keeping with international 15U eligibility standards. ID, passport, or birth certificate required at Saturday morning check-in.
Roster Size
12-player roster maximum, 8-player minimum to start a game. Rosters lock at Saturday check-in — no additions between Saturday and Sunday.
Coaches & Passports
Head coach must hold a valid passport before June 1, 2026, in case the team wins the Paris trip. Two-coach minimum on the bench.
Game Format
Two 12-minute halves, running clock. Stop clock in the final 2:00 of the second half if score is within 10. NFHS rules with tournament modifications.
Uniforms
Matching jerseys with screen-printed numbers required. Light/dark reversible jerseys recommended. Team listed first wears light.
Newark Programs
Six team slots are reserved for Newark-based programs (NPS, Boys & Girls Club, Newark AAU clubs) at a 50% reduced entry fee. Apply early.
Register Your Team
Submissions are reviewed in the order received. Once accepted, you'll receive an invoice for the entry fee, packet of tournament rules, and pool seeding announcement (April 2026).
Almost There.
Your email app should have opened with your registration ready to send. Tap "Send" to deliver it to the Tournament Committee. We'll respond within 48 hours with an entry fee invoice and tournament packet.
Pay It
Forward.
BJ McFarland
William White
Shaquille McFarland
Dalmorlie Williamson
Common Questions
Where will the tournament be held?
Final venue is being confirmed in partnership with the City of Newark. Primary candidates are the NJIT Wellness and Events Center, the Rutgers University–Newark Golden Dome, and the Essex County College Cleo Hill, Sr. Physical Education Building. All venues are within a 10-minute drive of Newark Penn Station. Registered teams will be notified the moment the venue is locked in.
Is this an outdoor streetball tournament?
No. Road to Paris in Newark is an indoor 15U boys basketball tournament played on hardwood regulation courts under NFHS rules with tournament modifications. The "streetball" connection refers only to the international experience awarded to the winning team, since streetball culture is most active in Paris during the summer. The Newark games themselves are traditional 5-on-5 indoor basketball.
What's the entry fee and what does it cover?
$400 per team. The fee covers court time, certified officials and scorekeepers, on-site EMS, security, awards, and tournament operations. Newark-based programs (NPS, Boys & Girls Club, Newark AAU clubs) are eligible for a 50% reduced fee — see the application for details.
How are pools and seedings decided?
The Tournament Committee reviews each registration and assigns pool seedings based on recent record, AAU/club affiliation, and program reputation. Pool assignments are released approximately two weeks before the event so coaches and families can plan their Saturday.
Who covers the Paris trip if we win?
The Road to Paris Tournament Committee coordinates and funds the winning team's Paris travel package — including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, per diem, and team gear — through committed sponsorship and fundraising partners. The Committee also assists the winning team in pursuing competition opportunities while in Paris during the first week of July 2026, though specific tournament participation is subject to those tournaments' independent rules and acceptance.
What if a player doesn't have a passport yet?
Players don't need a passport to play in Newark — only to travel to Paris if their team wins. We recommend that every rostered player has begun the passport process by the tournament date (May 23–24, 2026) so the timeline works for a July Paris trip if their team advances. The head coach is required to have a valid passport before June 1, 2026 as a condition of registration.
Can college coaches, media, or scouts attend?
College coaches are not permitted at Road to Paris. The tournament does not provide a recruiting platform and is not subject to NCAA recruiting calendars. Credentialed media and independent scouting services are welcome and may request press/scout credentials from the Tournament Committee. Credential requests open in May 2026; email Whitewwf@gmail.com with your outlet or service name, point of contact, and intended coverage.
What's the spectator ticket policy?
Tickets go on sale May 16, 2026. General Admission is $20 Saturday / $15 Sunday. Newark youth (under 18 with NPS ID or proof of residency) are admitted free. Rostered players and coaches are admitted free with their wristband.
Is there a refund policy?
No refunds. Entry fees are non-refundable. By submitting registration, you agree that all entry fees are final and will not be refunded for any reason, including team withdrawal, player ineligibility, or non-attendance.