A new school-based junior basketball league will be launched in Edinburgh later this year.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and basketballscotland have announced a new partnership to create The Jr. NBA basketballscotland League.

Open for boys and girls ages 11-12, the league will teach fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game.

Held in local primary schools, each co-ed team will represent one of the 30 NBA teams, and wear team-branded jerseys for their games.

The league will run from October through December, with the top eight teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs.

The top two teams from each conference will then meet in the league championship to determine the first Jr. NBA basketballscotland League champion.

NBA EMEA associate vice president, basketball operations, Neal Meyer said: "We are pleased to partner with basketballscotland to promote youth basketball development in Scotland through the launch of our first Jr. NBA league.

"Together we will offer a program that fosters healthy competition, teaches the values of the game, and provides an opportunity for children to have fun while learning more about the sport."

Basketballscotland Head of Education and Development Derek O'Riordan addedd: "basketballscotland are both humbled and excited by the opportunity to partner with the NBA to deliver their Jr. NBA programme here in Scotland.

"The team is looking forward to engaging with local kids who will benefit from this inspiring programme.

"The partnership will enable us to use the brand recognition behind the NBA to raise the profile of basketball in areas of Scotland not synonymous or familiar with the sport."