One‑On‑One Basketball League Returns to Orlando
Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady launched the Ones Basketball League in 2022 and has now revived it this summer with the OBL Battle of the Cities series in Orlando. The concept pits cities against each other in one‑on‑one games played to seven points, turning the familiar pickup court into a televised showdown.
Eight squads entered the May kickoff, and after a preliminary round the top six moved forward. The final four — representing Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta and Miami — will meet on July 1 at Oak Ridge High School, where a $100,000 prize pool awaits the champion.
Team Ownership and NBA Alumni
Vince Carter, another Hall of Famer, owns Team Orlando, which was eliminated in May, while Tim Hardaway Sr. fronts Team Miami. Both veterans have spoken openly about their optimism for the league’s trajectory, citing the excitement of fans and the competitive spirit of the participants.
McGrady himself praised the squads for their commitment, noting that each team has embraced the league’s vision and is eager to bring city pride to the court. He added that the involvement of other NBA greats signals a growing interest in the format.
The finals will be streamed live, offering viewers a glimpse of a new kind of basketball competition that blends street‑court flair with professional production values. Organizers hope the event will serve as a springboard for expanding the league beyond its inaugural summer.