About

The Austin Midnight Basketball Program (AMB)

Austin Midnight Basketball (AMB), directed by James Silas since 1996, has served thousands of at-risk youth in the Austin community through sports, mentorship, and education. The program recruits youth ages 12–17, forming 6–8 teams each season, and integrates workshops before games covering conflict resolution, health awareness, self-esteem building, gang prevention, drug and alcohol education, and preparation for higher education.

AMB is funded by private businesses, foundations, corporations, private citizens, and the City of Austin. By supporting AMB, sponsors invest in a proactive strategy to reduce local crime and help shape future tax-paying, community-building adults.

As AMB approaches a major milestone, June 2026 will mark its 40th year of operation and funding. To commemorate this achievement, AMB plans to host a 40th Anniversary Summit & National Tournament in Austin. The celebration aims to include appearances by city mayors, college scholarship opportunities, music and DJ training, and additional youth-empowerment activities.

Proposed Event Details (2026):

• Primary Venue: Huston-Tillotson University
• Proposed Dates: June 18–21, 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
• Purpose: Celebrate four decades of reducing youth violence and creating pathways for young people through sports and mentorship
• Impact Goal: Provide travel and lodging subsidies for 16 national chapters, strengthen tourism, and position Austin as a leader in community-based youth programs

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Association of Midnight Basketball – National Presence Across America

Austin as a Key City • James Silas as Regional Director (Southwest)

The Association of Midnight Basketball League Programs (AMBLP) operates all over America in most of the major U.S. cities, providing safe nighttime environments and structured mentorship that have been associated with consistent reductions in youth crime rates nationwide.

Austin is one of these active cities, and its program has served over 2,000 participants over the years.

James Silas plays a major leadership role on the national level, serving as Regional Director (Southwest) for the National organization.

The AMBLP national headquarters has been noted as operating from New York to San Francisco, California, and supports approximately 1,500+ program participants across its network.