Lyon City Council to Vote on 3×3 Basketball Court Project at Jardin des Curiosités
Lyon, June 21, 2026 – The Lyon City Council is scheduled to vote on Thursday, June 25, 2026, on a proposal to renovate an abandoned basketball court at the Jardin des Curiosités into a modern 3×3 basketball facility. The project, located at Place Abbé Larue in the 5th arrondissement, has been championed for over a year by local influencer Valentin Turgot, known as Hoopsidia.
Key Facts:
- Fact 1: The Lyon City Council will vote on June 25, 2026, to approve the renovation of the basketball court at the Jardin des Curiosités (Lyon 5th).
- Fact 2: The project is led by Valentin Turgot, also known as Hoopsidia, a basketball influencer and creator of the “Pimp My Court” concept.
- Fact 3: The court, which has been abandoned for several years, will be transformed into a regulation 3×3 facility.
- Fact 4: A TikTok video launching the call for the project garnered over 450,000 views by April 2025.
A Dilapidated Court to Be Reborn
The small basketball court at Place Abbé Larue, within the Jardin des Curiosités, has long been neglected. Worn nets, faded lines, and degraded asphalt had rendered it unusable for local basketball enthusiasts. According to Le Progrès, the project, driven by Valentin Turgot (Hoopsidia), aims to create a “true 3×3” court, referencing the three-on-three basketball discipline, which has been an Olympic sport since 2021.
The City of Lyon and Hoopsidia have been collaborating on this initiative for over a year. The deliberation to formalize the project will be presented for a vote by elected officials this Thursday, June 25, 2026. actu.fr confirms that the municipal council session is indeed scheduled around this date.
Hoopsidia: The Driving Force Behind the Revival
Valentin Turgot, 25, is widely known on social media as Hoopsidia. A content creator specializing in basketball, he launched the “Pimp My Court” project in 2023. This series involves renovating urban basketball courts, often with limited resources and community involvement. He has previously transformed a court in Saint-Apollinaire (Côte-d’Or), as reported by BFM Lyon.
In April 2025, Turgot launched an appeal on TikTok, posting a video showcasing the poor condition of the Jardin des Curiosités court. His goal was to reach one million views to persuade the city council. The video has since accumulated over 450,000 views, leading to concrete discussions and a project proposal with municipal services. “The project is largely advanced,” confirmed Le Progrès Lyon on its X account on June 17.
Deliberation to Secure Funding
While the municipal council’s vote is expected to be a formality, given the majority’s support for the initiative, the deliberation will specify the funding and implementation details. The exact cost of the renovation has not yet been disclosed. The refurbished court will adhere to 3×3 standards, featuring a half-court, a single hoop, and specific markings. It is intended as a local amenity, open to all without prior reservation.
Lyon’s Mayor, Grégory Doucet (EELV), has not yet publicly commented on this specific project. However, the municipality has previously supported other urban sports initiatives, such as the Confluence skatepark and various city-stades in different neighborhoods.
Context in the Rhône Region
Lyon is France’s second-largest city in terms of registered basketball players, with approximately 15,000 licensees, according to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes League. The 3×3 discipline, an Olympic sport since Tokyo 2021, is experiencing rapid growth in the metropolitan area. Several Lyon clubs, including ASVEL and Lyon Basket Féminin, are developing 3×3 sections. This new public court will enhance recreational opportunities in the 5th arrondissement, an area less equipped with outdoor sports facilities compared to other parts of the city. The Rhône region already boasts 3×3 courts in Villeurbanne, Vaulx-en-Velin, and Caluire, but none in Lyon’s historic center. Furthermore, recent heatwaves in the Rhône have highlighted the need for green spaces and recreational areas suitable for high temperatures.
Next Steps: Construction This Summer?
If the municipal council approves the project, construction could commence before the end of summer 2026. Hoopsidia has indicated on his social media channels his intention to involve the community in the renovation, mirroring his approach to previous projects. An inauguration, potentially featuring 3×3 events, could take place in the autumn. The City of Lyon has not yet confirmed a precise timeline.
