Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) will officially kick off the 2025-26 NBA Math Hoops season on Thursday, September 25, with a special celebration coinciding with Lilly Global Day of Service. Students, staff, and community partners will gather at Benjamin Harrison Center for Inquiry School 2 to launch a program that has become a cornerstone of interactive math learning across the district.
NBA Math Hoops is more than just a game. It blends strategy, teamwork, and real-world math skills into an engaging experience for students in grades 3–8. Players draft NBA and WNBA athletes using real-life statistics, then race against a shot clock to solve math problems, score points, and win games. The program’s combination of board and digital gameplay, alongside curriculum resources, transforms traditional math lessons into hands-on learning opportunities that emphasize both fun and critical thinking.
“Our students see themselves as mathematicians, strategists, and problem-solvers through this program,” said Brynn Kardash, executive director of school supports for the district. “It’s more than a game—it’s a way to break down barriers, ignite curiosity, and show students that math opens doors to endless opportunities.”
Since its introduction to IPS four years ago, NBA Math Hoops has steadily grown in popularity. This year, 13 schools are participating, with nearly 800 students ready to compete, learn, and collaborate over the course of the season. Tip-off events will run from 9 a.m. to noon, officially launching what promises to be a year filled with learning, friendly competition, and community engagement.
The program is made possible through the support of national and local partners. Non-profit Learn Fresh sponsors the initiative nationally, while local organizations including Pacers Sports and Entertainment, the Eli Lilly Foundation, and the Pacers Foundation provide essential resources and guidance to help IPS students thrive. These partnerships ensure that both digital tools and physical game materials are available to schools, giving students a well-rounded and immersive experience.
In addition to building math fluency, NBA Math Hoops helps students develop executive function skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that extend beyond the classroom. Students must analyze statistics, make quick decisions, and strategize in real time, mirroring the kinds of analytical thinking valued in STEM fields.
“As we expand NBA Math Hoops across more IPS schools, we’re excited to see even greater impact,” Kardash said. “We know the program will continue to spark joy in learning, strengthen math skills, and create pathways for students to see themselves in STEM fields long into the future.”
The tip-off celebration at Benjamin Harrison Center for Inquiry School 2 will feature demonstrations, interactive play, and opportunities for students to engage directly with the program alongside teachers and community mentors. The event also emphasizes the broader role of service and collaboration, tying in with Lilly Global Day of Service to showcase how learning, community engagement, and teamwork can intersect.
For IPS students, NBA Math Hoops is more than an extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity to reimagine what math can be—dynamic, collaborative, and connected to real-world skills. With nearly 800 students across 13 schools set to participate, the 2025-26 season promises to be a celebration of numbers, strategy, and the kind of creative learning that empowers students to reach for bigger goals.
