The courts are set, and the anticipation is building as Crash the Court, Australia’s premier streetball qualifier returns for its second year under its new identity.
This year’s event, which serves as the precursor to the legendary Summer Jam, promises to elevate the streetball scene to new heights, with tours across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Summer Jam’s Legacy
For 13 years, Summer Jam has been the cornerstone of Australia’s streetball community, growing from a local gathering into a national championship with global recognition. As Summer Jam prepares for its 2025 edition, it brings with it a fresh narrative—one that unifies its nine-year history of national qualifiers, now proudly rebranded as Crash the Court. Previously known as ‘Open Runs’, these qualifiers have always been crucial in identifying top talent, but under the Crash the Court banner, they represent a new era of competition.
“Streetball has always been about community, culture, and the love of the game. By unifying our history of national qualifiers into Crash the Court, we’re not just continuing a tradition; we’re redefining it,” said Daniel Ella, Co-Founder of Summer Jam. “This event is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the journey every hooper takes, from local courts to the world stage.”
Crash the Court will tour five cities:
- Melbourne, Oct. 5 (Princes Gardens Basketball Courts, Prahran)
- Sydney, Oct. 7 (Camperdown Park Basketball Courts, Camperdown)
- Auckland, NZ, Oct. 12 (David Lange Park, Mangere, Auckland)
- Perth, Oct. 19, (Stirling Leisure Centres, Herb Graham Recreation Centre, Mirrabooka)
- Brisbane, Oct. 26 (University of Queensland, Union Rd, St Lucia,)
The winning teams from each city will earn their spot at Summer Jam 2025, where they will compete against the best in the world at the iconic Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda.
The stakes are high, as last year’s Crash the Court champions, Breakdown from Sydney, went on to win the 2024 Summer Jam title, taking home the $20,000 cash prize. Their journey from local qualifiers to world champions embodies the spirit of Crash the Court — a pathway for aspiring hoopers to showcase their talent on the grandest stage.
Introducing the new National Slam Dunk Contest
For the first time ever, Crash the Court is proud to introduce the National Slam Dunk Contest, bringing together the best dunkers from across Australia and New Zealand. This thrilling new competition will see the top dunkers battle it out in their own cities, with the winners advancing to the Summer Jam 2025 Slam Dunk Contest.
At Summer Jam, they will compete for the title of the best dunker in Oceania, and the stakes couldn’t be higher – the winner will earn a coveted spot in the World Dunk Contest, held at Summer Jam that same weekend, where they will go up against some of the world’s greatest dunkers.
Past champions of the World Dunk Contest have included some of the most renowned names in the sport, such as Jordan Kilganon (Canada), Guy Dupuy (France), and Piotr Grabowski (Poland). This year promises to bring even more jaw-dropping talent to the court, cementing Crash the Court and Summer Jam as the ultimate stages for slam dunk greatness.
The 2024 edition of Crash the Court is proudly sponsored by Foot Locker, a brand synonymous with youth culture, energy, and excellence. Their support not only enhances the event’s visibility but also amplifies the impact of streetball culture across Australia and beyond.
Crash the Court 2024 is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of streetball culture, a gathering of community, and a showcase of raw talent.