PeacePlayers, a global nonprofit organization that uses sports to bridge divides and inspire peace, has selected Detroit as the host city for its 2025 Friendship Games, scheduled for July 27-Aug. 3 on the campus of Wayne State University.
The international gathering will unite youth from PeacePlayers sites worldwide, including South Africa, Israel/West Bank, Northern Ireland, and the United States, for a week of basketball, cultural exchange, and leadership training.
The Detroit Pistons, longstanding partners and supporters of PeacePlayers, were instrumental in bringing the event to the Motor City.
“I’m thrilled to help bring the Friendship Games to Detroit and invite visitors from around the world to experience all the incredible aspects of our great city,” says Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons and a global board member of PeacePlayers.
“Events like this do not happen without great partners and I thank the Detroit Sports Commission and Wayne State University for stepping up to join us in leading this effort. We’re all proud to support this incredible initiative and we encourage others to join us in making this event a success for our city, nation, and world.”
Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission, says, “The Detroit Sports Commission is proud to join the Detroit Pistons and Wayne State University to bring the 2025 Friendship Games to Detroit. We deeply respect PeacePlayers’ mission to harness the power of sport to inspire young people, foster inclusivity, and create a more peaceful world.”
Organizers say hosting the Friendship Games highlights the city’s “vibrant spirit, innovation, unity, and ability to bring people together from around the world.”
“The Friendship Games are more than a chance to play and learn basketball — they’re about young leaders bridging divides, learning, and building bonds for lasting peace,” says Jasmine Cooper, director of PeacePlayers Detroit. “As someone proud to call Detroit home, I’m thrilled to share our city’s resilience, culture, and unmatched spirit with the world. We’re grateful to partner with the Detroit Pistons to make this possible.”
Wayne State University will provide housing and facilities for the event.
“We are pleased to welcome the 2025 Friendship Games community of athletes to our campus and support PeacePlayers’ important mission that inspires young people in creating a more peaceful and equitable world,” says Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of WSU. “As an academic institution rooted in educating and cultivating tomorrow’s leaders, we are excited to play a role in supporting this next generation of students and athletes.”
In addition to the Detroit Sports Commission, the William Davidson Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation are providing support for the 2025 Friendship Games.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to support and participate in the Friendship Games. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit here or contact David Cassel at dcassel@peaceplayers.org.
