Basketball is one of the most popular youth sports in Lodi, and there are more options than most parents realize. Here's every youth basketball program we've found in the Lodi area.
The short answer
Lodi has five youth basketball options. The City of Lodi Parks and Recreation rec league is the affordable starting point for ages K through 8th grade, with winter play and registration opening in fall through lodi.gov/850/Youth-Sports. Lodi Upward Sports (lodiupwardsports.com) is a church-based program for kindergarten through 8th grade where every kid gets equal playing time. For a structured spring league, Next Level Basketball runs Sunday games at Lodi High School from April through May, and Comet Basketball through BOBS covers grades 7 and 8 with registration opening in August.
City of Lodi Youth Basketball (Parks and Recreation)
The standard recreational league most Lodi kids start with. Affordable, close to home, focused on fundamentals and fun.
Ages: Varies by season, typically K through 8th grade | Season: Winter (registration opens in fall) | Cost: City rec league fees (among the most affordable options) | Coaching: Volunteer parent coaches
Register through the City of Lodi ActiveNet system at lodi.gov/850/Youth-Sports.
Best for first-time players, kids who want to play with school friends, and families wanting a low-pressure introduction.
Lodi Upward Sports Basketball
Church-based program combining sports with character development. One of the most popular youth basketball programs in the country, with a Lodi chapter.
Ages: Kindergarten through 8th grade | Practices: Mostly Sunday afternoons and evenings
Every kid gets equal playing time regardless of skill level. Great for beginners and kids who might feel intimidated by competitive leagues. Register at lodiupwardsports.com.
Next Level Basketball (Lodi High School)
Grade-based basketball league at Lodi High School. Structured season with games every Sunday.
Ages: Kindergarten through 8th grade | Season: Spring, 6 program dates April through May | Game days: Sundays | Cost: Base registration includes uniform
Register at nextlevelsports.com.
Comet Basketball (BOBS)
Co-ed recreational basketball for grades 7 and 8 through BOBS in partnership with the City of Lodi. Fills the gap above the City's Junior Basketball program which covers grades K-6. 12-week program with practices and games Monday through Thursday evenings. Registration opens August.
Which Program Is Right for Your Child?
- Complete beginner (ages 4-7) → City of Lodi rec league or Upward Sports – both low-pressure and welcoming
- Rec player ready for more (ages 8-12) → Next Level for structured Sunday league
- Values-based environment → Upward Sports with equal playing time and character development
- Grades 7-8 → Comet Basketball through BOBS
Basketball Season Calendar
- Winter (Nov-Feb): City of Lodi Junior Basketball rec league
- Spring (Apr-May): Next Level Basketball at Lodi High School
- Fall/Winter: Comet Basketball (grades 7-8) through BOBS, registration opens August
Did we miss a program? Email hello@lodikidsactivities.com and we'll add it to this guide.
Frequently asked questions
What youth basketball programs are there in Lodi?
There are five: the City of Lodi Parks and Recreation rec league, Lodi Upward Sports, Next Level Basketball at Lodi High School, and Comet Basketball through BOBS. They span recreational, church-based, and structured league formats.
Which Lodi basketball program is best for a complete beginner?
For a complete beginner ages 4-7, start with the City of Lodi rec league or Upward Sports. Both are low-pressure and welcoming, and Upward Sports gives every kid equal playing time regardless of skill level.
How old does a kid need to be to play youth basketball in Lodi?
Most programs run kindergarten through 8th grade, including Upward Sports and Next Level Basketball. Comet Basketball through BOBS is specifically for grades 7 and 8, filling the gap above the City's Junior Basketball program which covers grades K-6.
When is basketball season in Lodi?
The City of Lodi Junior Basketball rec league runs winter, roughly November through February. Next Level Basketball plays in spring, April through May. Comet Basketball runs fall and winter with registration opening in August.
Where can I register for youth basketball in Lodi?
Register for the City of Lodi rec league through the ActiveNet system at lodi.gov/850/Youth-Sports, for Upward Sports at lodiupwardsports.com, and for Next Level Basketball at nextlevelsports.com. Comet Basketball registration through BOBS opens in August.
Which Lodi program is best for a 7th or 8th grader?
Comet Basketball through BOBS is the option for grades 7 and 8. It is a co-ed 12-week program in partnership with the City of Lodi, with practices and games Monday through Thursday evenings.