June 27th - July 4th, 2026
June 27th - July 4th, 2026
International All Gender Division & Women's+ Division Tournament
What You Should Know
Some quick information to help you understand the Gay Games and how you can participate.
What is the Gay Games?
The Gay Games is the world’s largest all-inclusive sporting event. Similar to the Olympics, LGBTQ+ athletes and allies from around the world come together for a week of sports and celebration. Beyond competing on an international stage, the Games provide the opportunity to build community with others in a space cultivated specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2026, the Gay Games will host 38 sports events in Valencia, Spain.
Opening ceremony Saturday June 27: Participate in the parade of nations by entering the arena with your city or sport surrounded with music, dance, and unforgettable artists and performances. Not to miss!
Closing ceremony Saturday July 4: Celebrate the closing of the Gay Games with more music, dance, and entertainment. Not to miss!
How does it work?
Each sport is run by local organizers in collaboration with a governing body. The NGBA is the governing body for basketball. Local organizers manage logistics such as facilities, referees, and scorekeepers. The NGBA will manage the schedule and oversee the competition.
- Basketball competes: Sunday, June 28 – Friday, July 3
- Teams play 1-2 games per day for 3 days, up to 6 round robin games
- Elimination begins Wednesday, approximately 1 game per day
- Finals Friday
Where is Valencia?
Valencia is located in Spain on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-most populated municipality in the country.
How do I get to Valencia?
Contact your local LGBTQ+ basketball league. For example, in LA, contact the lambda league. You can find social media accounts for U.S. local leagues on our ‘City Leagues‘ page. They may have group rates on flights. The NGBA will also work on group tickets. Check back for airline discount links.
When should I plan to travel?
Many athletes arrive a day our two in advance to acclimate to the new time zone. To immerse in the full Gay Games experience we recommend planning your travels to participate in both the opening and closing ceremonies.
-
Opening ceremony Saturday June 27: Participate in the parade of nations by entering the arena with your city or sport surrounded with music, dance, and unforgettable artists and performances. Not to miss!
-
Basketball competes: Sunday, June 28 – Friday, July 3
-
Closing ceremony Saturday July 4: Celebrate the closing of the Gay Games with more music, dance, and entertainment. Not to miss!
Airline Discounts
Delta Air Lines Discount
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for National Gay Basketball Association for flights booked via Delta Air Lines through Valencia (VLC), Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD), & Alicante (ALC)
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: NY4L6
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation
800 number.
United Air Lines Discount
Using this link or by calling (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance with code: ZRVS192247
What are the accommodations in Valencia?
View Gay Games suggested hotels.
The NGBA is working to secure a host hotel for basketball players and spectators that is centrally located to the gym and social events. Stay tuned for updates.
How do I get around?
Valencia is a very walkable city.
All Registrants will receive a transit card including 10 free trips: Metrovalencia subway & The Red Bus.
Taxis and rideshare apps: Freenow by Lyft and Uber are also available.
How do I register?
You will register directly on the Gay Games website. Click the button below to register. General Registration secures free access to all cultural events including opening and closing ceremonies. General registration fee continues to increase until the Games. Check Gay Games site for current rates. Individual sport fee varies. Basketball fee $55, does not increase.
Use code: SCC2026 for $20 discount for all general registration types before January 31. Pay $195 instead of $215 before January 31.
General registration types:
Participant: Athletes competing in a event. Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events. Additional basketball sport fee: $55
Non-playing Coach: Register with your team. Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events. Choose this role when you are NOT competing in the event itself.
Supporter: Cheer on your favorites as a Spectator! Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events.
**Unregistered Spectators can watch the sports competitions but do not have access to opening ceremony, closing ceremony, or cultural events.
FLINTA registrants receive 10% discounted registration (automatically applied during registration). [FLINTA: Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, and Agender] Applies to all registrant types.
What is the maximum roster size?
Typically rosters are capped at 12 players but will be taken case by case. We will ensure that all free agents are placed on a roster, either through forming free agent teams or adding to an already formed team.
What if I don’t have a team?
Register as a participant in your preferred division and you will be matched with a team. There are many free agents and teams looking to complete their squads.
What divisions are available?
- All Gender – A
- All Gender – B
- All Gender – C
- All Gender – Masters (35+)
- All Gender – Veterans (50+)
- All Gender – Veterans 3×3 (50+)
- All Gender – wheelchair
- Women’s+ – A
- Women’s+ – B
- Women’s+ – C
- Women’s+ – Masters (35+)
- Women’s+ – Veterans (50+)
What are the games rules?
Format: 20 min halves.
View the official Gay Games Valencia Basketball Game Rules.
View the Official Gay Games Valencia Basketball Code of Conduct.
Are water filling stations and concessions available at the gyms?
Water filling stations are available at both gyms. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.
Concessions: Pavelló Servei d’Esports UV and Pavelló d’Esports UPV are located on university campuses, where cafeterias, cafés, and restaurants are available within walking distance.
Where will games be played?
Games will be played at the gyms listed below. Schedules will clearly list the gym location of games.
Pool Play games Sunday, June 28 – Thursday, July 2 will be played at Pavelló Servei d’Esports UV and Pavelló d’Esports UPV. If multiple games are scheduled in one day, your games will be at the same facility.
Finals July 3 will be played at Alquería del Basket. Maps below.
Game Schedules will be posted in the NGBA App.
Download the iOS App or Android App.
What You Should Know
Some quick information to help you understand Gay Games and how you can participate.
What is the Gay Games?
The Gay Games is the world’s largest all-inclusive sporting event. Similar to the Olympics, LGBTQ+ athletes and allies from around the world come together for a week of sports and celebration. Beyond competing on an international stage, the Games provide the opportunity to build community with others in a space cultivated specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2026, the Gay Games will host 38 sports events in Valencia, Spain.
Opening ceremony Saturday June 27: Participate in the parade of nations by entering the arena with your city or sport surrounded with music, dance, and unforgettable artists and performances. Not to miss!
Closing ceremony Saturday July 4: Celebrate the closing of the Gay Games with more music, dance, and entertainment. Not to miss!
How does it work?
Each sport is run by local organizers in collaboration with a governing body. The NGBA is the governing body for basketball. Local organizers manage logistics such as facilities, referees, and scorekeepers. The NGBA will manage the schedule and oversee the competition.
- Basketball competes: Sunday, June 28 – Friday, July 3
- Teams play 1-2 games per day for 3 days, up to 6 round robin games
- Elimination begins Wednesday, approximately 1 game per day
- Finals Friday
Where is Valencia?
Valencia is located in Spain on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-most populated municipality in the country.
How do I get to Valencia?
Contact your local LGBTQ+ basketball league. For example, in LA, contact the lambda league. You can find social media accounts for U.S. local leagues on our ‘City Leagues‘ page. They may have group rates on flights. The NGBA will also work on group tickets. Check back for airline discount links.
When should I plan to travel?
Many athletes arrive a day our two in advance to acclimate to the new time zone. To immerse in the full Gay Games experience we recommend planning your travels to participate in both the opening and closing ceremonies.
-
Opening ceremony Saturday June 27: Participate in the parade of nations by entering the arena with your city or sport surrounded with music, dance, and unforgettable artists and performances. Not to miss!
-
Basketball competes: Sunday, June 28 – Friday, July 3
-
Closing ceremony Saturday July 4: Celebrate the closing of the Gay Games with more music, dance, and entertainment. Not to miss!
Airline Discounts
Delta Air Lines Discount
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for National Gay Basketball Association for flights booked via Delta Air Lines through Valencia (VLC), Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD), & Alicante (ALC)
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: NY4L6
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation
800 number.
United Air Lines Discount
Using this link or by calling (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance with code: ZRVS192247
What are the accommodations in Valencia?
View Gay Games suggested hotels.
The NGBA is working to secure a host hotel for basketball players and spectators that is centrally located to the gym and social events. Stay tuned for updates.
How do I get around?
Valencia is a very walkable city.
All Registrants will receive a transit card including 10 free trips: Metrovalencia subway & The Red Bus.
Taxis and rideshare apps: Freenow by Lyft and Uber are also available.
How do I register?
You will register directly on the Gay Games website. Click the button below to register. General Registration secures free access to all cultural events including opening and closing ceremonies. General registration fee continues to increase until the Games. Check Gay Games site for current rates. Individual sport fee varies. Basketball fee $55, does not increase.
Use code: SCC2026 for $20 discount for all general registration types before January 31. Pay $195 instead of $215 before January 31.
General registration types:
Participant: Athletes competing in a event. Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events. Additional basketball sport fee: $55
Non-playing Coach: Register with your team. Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events. Choose this role when you are NOT competing in the event itself.
Supporter: Cheer on your favorites as a Spectator! Secures access to all opening, closing, and cultural events.
**Unregistered Spectators can watch the sports competitions but do not have access to opening ceremony, closing ceremony, or cultural events.
FLINTA registrants receive 10% discounted registration (automatically applied during registration). [FLINTA: Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender athletes] Applies to all registrant types.
What is the maximum roster size?
Typically rosters are capped at 12 players but will be taken case by case. We will ensure that all free agents are placed on a roster, either through forming free agent teams or adding to an already formed team.
What if I don’t have a team?
Register as a participant in your preferred division and you will be matched with a team. There are many free agents and teams looking to complete their squads.
What divisions are available?
- All Gender – A
- All Gender – B
- All Gender – C
- All Gender – Masters (35+)
- All Gender – Veterans (50+)
- All Gender – Veterans 3×3 (50+)
- All Gender – wheelchair
- Women’s+ – A
- Women’s+ – B
- Women’s+ – C
- Women’s+ – Masters (35+)
- Women’s+ – Veterans (50+)
What are the games rules?
Format: 20 min halves.
View the official Gay Games Valencia Basketball Game Rules.
View the Official Gay Games Valencia Basketball Code of Conduct.
Are water filling stations and concessions available at the gyms?
Water filling stations are available at both gyms. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.
Concessions: Pavelló Servei d’Esports UV and Pavelló d’Esports UPV are located on university campuses, where cafeterias, cafés, and restaurants are available within walking distance.
Where will games be played?
Games will be played at the gyms listed below. Schedules will clearly list the gym location of games.
Pool Play games Sunday, June 28 – Thursday, July 2 will be played at Pavelló Servei d’Esports UV and Pavelló d’Esports UPV. If multiple games are scheduled in one day, your games will be at the same facility.
Finals July 3 will be played at Alquería del Basket. Maps below.
Game Schedules will be posted in the NGBA App.
Download the iOS App or Android App.
Gym Locations
Sports Center UV
click for more information
Sports Center UPV
click for more information
Distance between Gym 1 & 2
click for directions
Finals Gym
click to view the facility
Sports Center UV
click for more information
Sports Center UPV
click for more information
Distance between Gym 1 & 2
click for directions
Finals Gym
click to view the facility
National Gay Basketball Association
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The National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is an all-inclusive organization dedicated to providing the LGBTQ+ community with a well-organized, supportive and welcoming sporting environment.
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