Panagon's Basketball Revolution

From street courts to national recognition: How Panagon is transforming French basketball culture

Panagon, a brainchild of childhood friends Bakary Sakho and Paul Odonnat, has quickly become a key player in France's basketball scene. Launched in 2019, the agency specialises in renovating outdoor basketball courts, breathing new life into neglected spaces. Their journey reflects a deep commitment to sport, culture, and community development

How did Panagon's idea come about? Panagon was born after 15 years of work promoting popular culture, including sport, art, music, and fashion. Over the years, we've been deeply involved in working-class neighbourhoods, focusing on youth engagement through social and voluntary action. Our goal was to transform simple, local football tournaments into events that would resonate over time.

Given our love for basketball, we decided to concentrate on playgrounds, starting in our own neighbourhood. In 1994, a basketball court was on the verge of disappearing due to neglect and other issues. It was a place where we played in our youth, but over time, it had fallen into disrepair, with no maintenance, lighting, or proper equipment. The field had become a haven for the homeless and drug addicts, and the new generation seemed less attached to street basketball.

We approached local authorities, emphasising the historical and sentimental value of the court in a neighbourhood lacking other recreational facilities. We advocated for its preservation and proposed activating the space with various activities like exhibitions, concerts, literary events, and e-sports. The authorities trusted us, and we secured funding to renovate the court.