Lifetime Basketball Hoop Parts Explained: What You Can Buy Retail vs. Direct

Replacing Parts on Lifetime Basketball Systems

When you’re looking to replace parts on an existing basketball system, there are a few important steps to make sure you’re getting the right parts for the right setup. First, know who made your system. Manufacturers generally don’t design parts for other brands, and they don’t want other brands’ parts used on their systems. That’s partly about proprietary designs—unique measurements and hardware—and partly about safety. Using secondhand or “almost-fits” parts can introduce real safety issues. Put those together, and the rule of thumb is simple: get the right part for the right system from the right manufacturer. If you’re specifically shopping for lifetime basketball hoop parts, these basics will save you time and headaches.

This entry focuses specifically on Lifetime Products basketball systems—units with the Lifetime logo on them. There’s one naming wrinkle: if you see Mammoth, that’s Lifetime’s high-end, in-ground line. You’ll likely still see “Lifetime” somewhere on the system, but “Mammoth” is Lifetime too. So if you’re hunting down Lifetime basketball hoop parts for a Mammoth, you’re still in the right place.

What You Can Replace Through Retail (with Examples)
In a retail setting, the most common Lifetime parts you’ll find are nets, rims, and backboard-and-rim combos (with a compatible mounting bracket). Outside of those, you generally won’t find much else at retail. These are the core lifetime basketball hoop parts most customers ask us about first.

• Nets
• Rims
• Backboard-and-rim combos (with compatible bracket)

Rims: How to Identify What You Have
Rims are usually the quickest match because they’re color-consistent and visually distinctive:

• Classic Rim – No springs; a single, solid bracket mounts to the backboard.
• Slam-It Rim – Two exposed springs visible under the rim at the backboard mount.
• Slam-It Pro Rim – An enclosed/box-style spring housing where it mounts to the backboard (higher-end breakaway style).

Those three are the retailed models. Lifetime also uses other rims—especially on Mammoth systems—that are not retailed. For those (and other non-retail parts), go straight to Lifetime (details below). Knowing which rim you have is the fastest way to zero in on the correct Lifetime basketball hoop parts.

Backboard & Rim Combos: When They Fit (and When They Don’t)
Lifetime sells backboard-and-rim combos for many systems, but fitment depends on a few specifics. When someone calls us saying, “My Lifetime backboard cracked—can I replace it?” here’s how we walk through it:

• Main pole shape — Round pole? Great—move on. Square pole? Retail backboard-and-rim combos will not work.
• Pole diameter — We’re looking for 3.5 inches diameter. (Circumference of ~11 inches also equals a 3.5" diameter.) Different diameters typically won’t line up with retail brackets/holes.
• Bracket style — A Y-bracket is required. Think of a “Y” shape: a vertical base that branches into two arms at the top to meet the backboard frame behind the rim. Straight-arm brackets (four straight arms) do not work with Lifetime’s retail combos.

If your system is Lifetime, has a round 3.5" pole, and uses a Y-bracket, the retail backboard-and-rim combos we carry almost always fit. For example, the 48" Backboard & Rim Combo (73729) is a common match for that setup.

Nets
Nets are easy: if you have a 12-loop net for a standard 18-inch rim, you’re good to go. Among all lifetime basketball hoop parts, nets are the simplest swap.

What You Must Get Directly from Lifetime
Some parts aren’t retailed and need to come straight from Lifetime Products:

• Mammoth-specific parts (e.g., Mammoth rims)
• Glass backboards (retail combos are polycarbonate)
• Hardware kits, poles, and many frame components
• Model-specific or non-retail assemblies

As an example, complete systems with glass backboards exist at retail—like the Lifetime 90602, 54" Glass In-Ground System—but if you need a replacement glass backboard itself, you’ll work directly with Lifetime. The process is simple. Contact Lifetime Customer Service at 800-225-3865. They’ll usually ask for your model number or product ID, but they can also help you identify your system by talking through a few details. Once they know the exact model, they can tell you what’s available and ship the correct parts to get you back up and running.

Closing Thoughts
Lifetime hoops are great systems, but nothing lasts forever—nets wear out, rims bend, backboards crack, and hardware gets tired. When that happens, the key is matching the right part to the right system. For nets, rims, and many backboard-and-rim combos, retail is straightforward—especially if you’ve got a round 3.5" pole and a Y-bracket. If you’re browsing or upgrading, you can also browse Lifetime systems to compare setups. For Mammoth parts, glass backboards, poles, or hardware, go directly through Lifetime at 800-225-3865.

If you’ve got questions about any of this, call or email us—we’re happy to help you figure out what you have, identify the exact Lifetime basketball hoop parts you need, and the best path to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lifetime basketball hoop parts can I buy at retail?
Common retail parts include nets, rims, and backboard-and-rim combos (when the bracket and pole match). Most hardware, poles, and Mammoth-specific parts are not retailed.

How do I know if a backboard-and-rim combo will fit my Lifetime system?
Check three things: (1) the main pole is round (square poles won’t work with retail combos), (2) the pole diameter is 3.5 inches (about 11 inches in circumference), and (3) the system uses a Y-bracket, not straight arms.

What’s the difference between Lifetime Classic, Slam-It, and Slam-It Pro rims?
Classic has no springs and mounts with a single solid bracket. Slam-It has two exposed springs. Slam-It Pro uses an enclosed box-style spring housing for a higher-end breakaway feel.

Do Mammoth systems use different basketball hoop parts?
Yes. Mammoth is Lifetime’s high-end line and many Mammoth parts are not retailed. For Mammoth rims, backboards, and certain assemblies, contact Lifetime directly.

Can I replace a glass backboard with a retail combo?
Retail backboard-and-rim combos from Lifetime are polycarbonate. Replacement glass backboards are model-specific and must be ordered directly from Lifetime.

Are nets standard on Lifetime basketball hoops?
Yes. A standard 12-loop net for an 18-inch rim will fit. Nets are the simplest Lifetime basketball hoop parts to replace.

Why should I avoid off-brand parts on a Lifetime hoop?
Lifetime systems use proprietary measurements and hardware. Off-brand or secondhand parts may not fit and can create safety issues. Use parts that match your exact system.

How do I order non-retail Lifetime basketball hoop parts?
Call Lifetime Customer Service at 800-225-3865. Have your model number or product ID ready, or work with the agent to identify your system so they can ship the correct parts.