What to buy for a basketball tournament

A basketball tournament needs more than basketballs and a court. You will need equipment for several games, a reliable scoring setup, refreshments for players and officials, and practical items for registration and clean-up. Check how many teams and courts are involved before shopping: that determines the number of balls, scoreboards, tables, chairs and serving supplies. Buy or collect consumables at least one day ahead, then chill drinks and test powered equipment before teams arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Competition table
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Basketballsqty 12
Conesqty 24
Marker discsqty 20
Vestsqty 24
Whistlesqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 2
Match sheetsqty 40
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tape
Athletic tapeqty 6
Team shirtsqty 80
Medalsqty 24
Cupqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving jugsqty 6

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Microphone
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Team table numbersqty 8
Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
First aid kit
Ice packsqty 16

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Floor squeegeeqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 6 boxes
- Protein bars - 4 boxes
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Mini ice pops - 80 pieces
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian Sliced Toppings - 2 kilogram
- Pizza slices - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian pizza slices - 30 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sports tape - 4 rolls
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan one basketball for each active court, plus at least one spare for the tournament. Check that every ball is properly inflated before the first game.
Prepare one competition table with a scoreboard, match sheets, clipboards, pens and a stopwatch. Pack spare pens and keep the paperwork together so scores do not get lost between matches.
Count tables and chairs for registration, scoring, refreshments and prizes separately. Arrange them before opening the hall, leaving clear routes to the courts and dressing rooms.
For refreshments, count reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee cups and serving jugs for the expected players and staff, then add a small buffer. Bring enough coolers and check that kettles and coffee machines can reach a safe power supply.
Pack cones, marker discs, vests, whistles, athletic tape and a measuring tape in one clearly labelled equipment box. These are easy to overlook when the main focus is on balls and scoreboards.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a basketball tournament?: Prepare basketballs, cones, marker discs, vests, whistles, scoreboards, match sheets, clipboards, pens and stopwatches. Add athletic tape and a measuring tape for court checks and minor equipment issues.
How many basketballs do I need for a tournament?: Plan for at least one usable basketball per active court and keep one spare available. For example, two courts require at least three checked balls so a game can continue if one needs replacing.
What food and drink supplies should I buy for a basketball tournament?: Include reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets, coffee cups, serving platters, serving jugs, coolers, kettles and coffee machines. Count tableware for every registered player, official and helper, then add roughly 10 percent extra.
When should I buy supplies for a basketball tournament?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check borrowed equipment at least 3 to 5 days before the tournament. Get chilled drinks and other fresh items no later than the day before, so they are cold and ready when the hall opens.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.