KNOW OUR
STORY

HISTORY

NEWS RELEASE BASKETBALL was conceived in the hearts and minds of a group of young Christian men in 1973 from Los Angeles, California. These men had a desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Western and Eastern Europe. Thus began over 50 years of basketball ministry.

This group of young men wanted to respond to that need by coming to Europe to share the message of Jesus Christ through the platform of basketball. They desired to show that Christianity is more than just a doctrine or set of beliefs, but that it is a relationship that changes lives.

Since that time News Release Basketball has taken teams of high-level collegiate athletes to Europe. In 1978 a Women’s Team was added to the News Release Basketball ministry. In 1991 News Release Basketball began taking teams of quality high school players. In the future, News Release Basketball will continue to seek men and women athletes of all levels to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ.

INTERNATIONAL
BASKETBALL MINISTRY
TIMELINE

1971

1st team traveled to Asia.

1972

Team traveled to Africa with Venture for Victory-Sports Ambassadors.

1973

1st News Release Basketball team, a part of Christian Associates, traveled to Europe.

1977

2 teams traveled.

1978

1st women’s News Release Basketball team traveled.

1980

Christian Associates Directors moved to Ferney-Voltaire, France.

1981

Christian Associates started 1st church in France.

1985

News Release Basketball incorporated as a separate organization.

1991

News Release Basketball reboots after a 4-year hiatus.

1st high school team traveled on tour. Basketball camp ministry began.

1998

Women’s Team tours began again after a 10-year hiatus.

2004

4 teams. 1st set team traveled (Colorado Christian University).

2006

First full-time News Release Basketball European Director moved to Magdeburg Germany.

2007

4 teams, 5 tours (including 1 Coaches tour).

2009

5 teams. 1st Showcase tour traveled.

2010

News Release Basketball reached 500+ alumni.

2011

Over 500 kids in News Release Basketball camps.

2012

7 teams, 9 tours.

Over 1300 kids attended News Release Basketball camps and clinics.

1st News Release Basketball European Summit meeting was held.

2013

News Release Basketball-Europe was established.

2014

First U.S. tour with the Legacy Program.

2018

25th year camp in Loerrach Germany.

School Year Camp Program was initiated.

2022

News Release Basketball celebrated 50 years of service.

2023

First “official” camp in Zambia, Africa

News Release Basketball - International Basketball Ministry History
News Release Basketball - International Basketball Ministry History
News Release Basketball - International Basketball Ministry History
News Release Basketball - International Basketball Ministry History