NYC Hoopers Compete for Spots in Revamped OBL League

NBA legend Tracy McGrady and rapper Jadakiss judge tryouts for new one-on-one basketball league

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:47pm

An abstract expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw athleticism and intensity of a one-on-one basketball game.The high-octane energy of one-on-one basketball competition takes center stage as the OBL league aims to showcase individual talent.NYC Today

Some of New York City's top basketball players gathered in a Midtown gym on Monday night to compete for spots in a revamped one-on-one basketball league being launched by NBA legend Tracy McGrady. The new league, called the OBL, aims to showcase the individual talent of hoopers through a unique one-on-one format.

Why it matters

The OBL represents a new approach to showcasing basketball talent, moving away from the traditional team-based formats of the NBA and college basketball. By focusing on one-on-one competition, the league hopes to uncover hidden gems and give players a platform to demonstrate their individual skills in front of high-profile judges like McGrady and rapper Jadakiss.

The details

The tryout event in New York City's Midtown area saw dozens of local hoopers compete in one-on-one matchups, with McGrady and Jadakiss evaluating the players' talent, athleticism, and ability to perform in a high-pressure, isolated setting. The OBL is looking to sign a select group of players to compete in the league's inaugural season later this year.

  • The tryout event took place on Monday, April 2, 2026 in New York City.
  • The OBL league is planning to launch its inaugural season later in 2026.

The players

Tracy McGrady

A former NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer who is rebooting the OBL one-on-one basketball league.

Jadakiss

A popular rapper who is serving as a judge for the OBL tryouts in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“This is a different dynamic that we're creating, one-on-one,”

— Tracy McGrady, OBL League Founder

What’s next

The OBL league plans to announce the players selected to compete in the inaugural season in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The OBL represents an innovative approach to showcasing individual basketball talent, moving away from the traditional team-based formats. By focusing on one-on-one competition, the league hopes to uncover new stars and provide a unique platform for hoopers to demonstrate their skills.