2026 National Basketball League set for early tip-off

The 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) will tip off on February 6, marking an unusually early start to Uganda’s premier basketball competition.

Traditionally beginning in late March, this year’s early start stems from lessons learned in 2025.

Last season was marred by controversy after the Namuwongo Blazers protested FUBA’s initial decision to submit City Oilers as Uganda’s representatives to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

With BAL slots reserved for league champions, tight scheduling forced premature decisions before the season concluded. The earlier start is intended to prevent a repeat.

On the court, the format remains unchanged. The 2026 season will feature 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, each playing a double round‑robin. The top eight sides will advance to the playoffs to contest the national titles.

Preparations are already underway. Registration opened on December 30, 2025 and will close strictly at midnight on January 20, 2026, with no extensions. All teams must register via FUBA’s Online E‑Registration system in line with the 2026 Competition Rules and Licensing Guidelines. Final verification of rosters will be conducted by the Competition Council between January 20 and February 1.

Key rule changes

While most regulations remain intact, two significant amendments have been introduced.

First, under the revised foreign player rule, clubs may now register up to four foreign players and field all four on game day. Lower league teams will be limited to three. Previously, NBL clubs could register four but only use three, leaving many players sidelined or forced to switch clubs. Passports will be required to confirm nationality in case of doubt.

Second, in a bid to boost youth development, all NBL teams must register at least one Ugandan U21 player aged 17–21. The player must feature in a minimum of five games during the season and may also play in lower leagues. The policy mirrors FUFA’s youth inclusion strategy and is aimed at giving young talent valuable exposure.

Shifting power in 2025

Ugandan basketball will remember 2025 as the year power finally shifted. After more than a decade of City Oilers dominance, the Namuwongo Blazers were crowned champions. They defeated the Oilers 68–55 in Game Six of the finals to win the series 4–2, ending a dynasty that had ruled since 2013.

The Oilers had taken the first two games and looked poised to extend their reign, but the Blazers responded with four straight victories. Earlier in the playoffs, they swept aside Rezlife Saints and UCU Canons to reach the finals.

From Makerere’s title in 1995, to Falcons in the early 2000s, Power’s golden years, and the Oilers’ decade‑long dominance, the big question now is whether 2025 marked the dawn of a new Blazers era.

In the women’s league, the JKL Lady Dolphins continued their supremacy, clinching the 2025 crown with a 4–1 series win over JT Lady Jaguars. The victory sealed a three‑peat and their fifth league title.

International struggles

At the international level, 2025 proved challenging. The Silverbacks struggled at the AfroBasket in Angola, losing to Senegal, Mali, and Egypt to finish bottom of their group. Withdrawals, injuries, and a thin squad left Uganda with just nine players for their final games, ending the tournament 15th out of 16.

The women’s national team, the Gazelles, fared slightly better at the Women’s AfroBasket in Ivory Coast, finishing eighth. After topping their group with wins over Guinea and Senegal, they were edged by South Sudan in the quarterfinals before losing to Mozambique and the hosts.

New faces in 2026

Looking ahead, the new season will welcome fresh entrants. UMU Flames and UPDF Tomahawks earned promotion to the men’s top tier, while Livingstone and KIU Titans were relegated. In the women’s league, Pearl Queens and Victoria She Crocs were promoted, replacing Nkumba Lady Marines and A1 Challenge.

With new rules, new teams, and a new champion, the 2026 NBL promises to be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.