Veniceball began in 2006 as a community tournament on the legendary courts of Venice Beach, and has become one of the most prominent summer leagues in the World. A meeting place for world-class athletes, entertainers, artists, creators, and global citizens.

From building courts all over the world to hosting premier basketball events, to winning 4 of our own World championships, we are just getting started. Our dedicated team lives by three words: Game Never Stops!

PUMA Hoops and Veniceball Unveil the Nitro II “ Do What you Love” PE.

A Tribute to the Struggle, the Legends, and the Courts That Built a Movement.

Born on the legendary courts of Venice Beach in 2006, the Venice Basketball League (VBL) has grown from a humble shirts-and-skins run into a global streetball movement — where basketball, hip hop, and community come together.

It started with founder Nick Ansom and friends going court to court across L.A., searching for the best runs and how to unite the city’s best hoopers. The answer was often the same: “Not outside, not the beach.” Why not?  — and with a mic, a ball, two turntables, and some dedicated ballers, Hoopers’ Paradise was born and perspectives changed forever.

Photo courtesy of Venice Ball

2008 Venice Ball

2008 photo of Venice Ball Founder (right) Nick Ansom

2008 photo of Venice Ball Founder Nick Ansom

2008 photo of Venice Ball Founder Nick Ansom

From those early days came a league built on heart, hustle, and respect — a place where beats met buckets, names were earned, and legends were born.  Now, 20 years later, VBL and PUMA Hoops unveil the Nitro II — their third official Player Edition sneaker, and a true story stitched and dripped into every step.

The commercial honors VBL’s pioneers — with cameos from Robin “Sik Wit It” Kennedy, “Inches”, the “Bone Collector”, Zach Andrews, Commish Cedric Ceballos, and “Hezi God” — all legends who helped shape the league’s legacy.

The Nitro II is more than a performance shoe — it’s a tribute to those who paved the way and kept hoop alive with no sponsors and no spotlight — just love to create the league that they always dreamed of playing in. 

No handouts. No shortcuts. Just buckets and hard earned respect. That’s what built the VBL. Blood, sweat, and tears over years — that’s what defines this drop.

From Venice Beach to the world, the Nitro II x Veniceball is a love letter to the struggle, a melting pot of culture, and the legendary blacktop that made it all possible.

If you don’t know, now you know. 

Photo courtesy of Venice Ball

Photo courtesy of Venice Ball

Photo courtesy of Venice Ball

For more info:

• veniceball.com
• IG:  @veniceball

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Photo courtesy of Venice Ball