NO TEAMS. NO REFS. NO MERCY.

We’re looking for the King and Queen of the Court!

The most ruthless 1v1
basketball battleground in Africa.

The Cage is a raw, unapologetic, 1v1 basketball battlefield where skill meets heart. It’s a 1v1 , no excuses, no help defence, no hiding platform where we get to see who the best really is.. This is where reputations are made or broken in front of a crowd that decides who’s real. It’s the Fight Club of African basketball. Every game is personal. Every move counts. And the court… it never lies.

We’re on the hunt for the King and Queen of the Court– the players with the skills, grit, and swagger to dominate under pressure.

At stake is R100 000 in cash prizes:

R50 000 for the King of The Cage
R50 000 for the Queen of The Cage

THE cage KNOCKOUTS BEGIN IN:

Step-by-step Entry Instructions:

01

Complete the entry form below:
Fill in your details on our secure registration page.

02

Pay the Entry Fee :
R230 to secure your spot at the Cage trials.

03

Show Us Your Skills:
Post or Upload a 30-second highlight video showing your best moves. Tag @TheCageBasketball.

04

Follow & Tag Us:
Follow @TheCageBasketball on all social platforms and tag us using the hashtags #TheCage2025 and #TheCourtNeverLies #TheCageBasketball

Important:

Limited spots available — first come, first served.

Open to both male and female players, 18+.

You must be able to attend the event on the specified date.

FILL IN THE FORM

Full Name
Gender Bracket
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

When and where?

Entries Open : 15 August 2025 – 17 October 2025

Event Dates: 25 & 26 October 2025

Location:Mandeville Sports Center, Johannesburg

Formart: 1v1 Format as per The Cage rules 

Prizes: R50 000 for the King of The Cage | R50 000 for the Queen of The Cage

FAQ

How do I register?

Entries open on 15 August 2025. 

  • Complete the entry form.
  • Pay your R230 entry fee online after filling in your form.
  • Upload/post a 30-second highlight video showing us your best moves on IG.
  • Follow @TheCageBasketball on Instagram and tag your clip with #TheCage2025 #TheCageBasketball #TheCageNeverLies
What’s included in the registration fee?

Your R230 gets you:

  • Official entry into The Cage 2025.
  • A shot at R50K and the crown of King or Queen of the Court.
  • Exposure through our official social channels.
  • The chance to compete in front of a live crowd and prove you belong.
  • A gift bag with a Cage T-shirt and more.
Where and when will the tournament take place?

The Cage battles will take place at Mandeville Sports Centre on 25 & 26 October 2025.
You must be available to compete on that date if selected.

How does the competition work?

Knockout Format

  • Win and advance. Lose and you’re out.
  • Games are 2 halves × 3 minutes, with two matches running at once.
  • 25 & 26 October → Qualifier Knockouts
  • 2 November → Final 16 decided
  • 15 November @ Ball & Beatz LIVE → Champions crowned.

Special Rules

  • Every half starts with a sprint start drop ball from center court.

Final 16 compete inside The Cage, a smaller, two-hoop battle arena with the crowd right on top of the action.

Are there opportunities to win beyond the main prize?

Yes. While the R50K for the King and R50K for the Queen are the main prizes, we’ll also
have:

  • Spot prizes for standout performances.
  • Awards for “Play of the Day” and “Crowd Favourite”.
  • Exclusive merch and sponsor giveaways during the event.
Who can enter The Cage?
  • Open to men and women aged 18+.
  • You must be based in South Africa or able to travel to the event.
  • All skill levels are welcome – but only the best survive.
Do I need a team to enter?

No. This is 1v1 basketball. No teams, no substitutes. Just you.

What should I bring on game day?
  • Your own basketball gear and shoes. You will be given a Cage T-shirt on the day.
  • ID or proof of age and your entry details.
  • The mindset to dominate.
How will I know if I’ve been selected to compete?

Your R230 automatically gets you in. You will be contacted via WhatsApp/email with next steps. Keep your unique code after payment.

can I come and watch if I’m not competing?

Yes. The Cage™ is just as intense from the crowd. Spectator tickets will be available closer to the event date – keep an eye on our socials for updates.

Will the event be live streamed?

Yes. We’ll be broadcasting key battles on our social platforms so even if you can’t be there in person, you won’t miss the action.

What’s the judging criteria?
  • Win.
  • Dominate everyone.
  • Bring the energy.
  • Own the court under pressure.
How does the knockout stage work?

The Cage qualifiers run on a straight knockout format — win your game and you advance to the next round; lose and you’re out.

Games are played over two halves of 3 minutes each, with a change of ends at halftime.

Two matches take place at the same time to keep the action moving.

The qualifiers across 25 & 26 October will filter players down for the Qualifier Playoffs on 2 November, where we’ll determine the Final 16 in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.

Those Final 16 battle it out at Ball & Beatz LIVE on 15 November for the title and the cash.

What’s the game format and special rules?
  • Game Time: 2 halves × 3 minutes each.
  • Sprint-Start Drop Ball: Each half starts with the ball being dropped at center court while both players begin at opposite baselines — it’s a race to claim possession.
  • Court Setup: Qualifiers are played on standard half courts. Finalists will compete inside The Cage — a smaller, high-energy court with two baskets and a crowd right on top of the action.

This is your shot at R100 000.

Don’t waste it.

You’ve got the skills. You’ve got the heart. Now it’s time to put it all on the line. Step into The Cage and prove you belong.

Contact Us

WhatsApp Us: 076 814 5184