Leicester Riders will tip off their 2025 pre-season campaign on Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 pm, as they take on familiar foes USA Select at the Mattioli Arena.
The Riders faithful will get their first look at the 2025/26 roster, as Head Coach Rob Paternostro leads his side into another exciting campaign of British basketball. With new faces arriving over the summer and returning stars ready to shine, this contest marks the first chance to build chemistry on the court ahead of the season’s official start.
Fixture Information
Fixture: Leicester Riders vs USA Select
Date: Friday, September 5th, 2025
Tip-off: 7:30 pm
Venue: Mattioli Arena, 12 Memory Lane, LE1 3UL
Riders return to action
The Riders are back on court, and fans won’t want to miss the first opportunity to see the team in action this year. Pre-season is all about preparation, and Paternostro’s men will be focused on finding rhythm, flow, and togetherness before competitive play begins.
One player sure to draw plenty of attention is Spencer Johnson, who returns to Leicester after playing a pivotal role in last season’s Super League Basketball Playoff Final victory. Johnson’s energy, versatility, and knack for stepping up in big moments made him a fan favourite, and his return provides a major boost as the Riders look to build on their playoff-winning momentum.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media | Nathan Green
Our Opponents: USA Select
This matchup has become a pre-season tradition for Leicester basketball fans. USA Select brings together some of the best unsigned American talent, eager to earn their first professional contracts while showcasing their skills on a demanding European tour.
Over the years, the programme has been a launchpad for countless professional careers, including future coaches, players, and basketball leaders across the UK and beyond.
USA Select Head Coach and General Manager Sean Kilmartin has long spoken about the importance of their relationship with Leicester:
“USA Select Basketball’s relationship with the Leicester Riders dates back in the 1980s, as one of our founding members of our organisation was fortunate enough to play for the Riders then.
Over the decades, we have seen what was a small community-based club, with changing venue challenges, grow into a premier sports club with a world-class facility, and a passionate, loyal and ever-expanding fan base.
The vision and energy of the Routledge’s and their management team are impressive.
They are Britain’s oldest professional basketball team, and in my opinion, one of the finest clubs in sports!”
This match has been a permanent fixture on our annual trips, and it always feels like we are coming home when we walk into their gym! Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss your chance to be part of the action as Leicester Riders return to the Mattioli Arena.
