NBL playoffs tip off Friday as top seeds face title pressure

The race for the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) titles tips off on Friday at YMCA Court, Wandegeya.

After a dominant regular season, the playoffs will test whether the top teams can deliver under pressure.

Originally set for June, the postseason was moved to July to accommodate Uganda’s FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers and other national team commitments.

Unlike the 22-game regular season, which rewards consistency, the playoffs offer little margin for error. The quarterfinals are best-of-three, meaning a team needs just two wins to advance to the semifinals.

That puts immediate pressure on top seeds Namuwongo Blazers and JT Lady Jaguars, who both finished the regular season with 20-2 records. They must now prove they can convert regular-season success into championships.

Opening day features Magic Stormers vs. Pearl Queens in the women’s quarterfinals, followed by UCU Canons vs. Victoria Crocs in what promises to be the tightest men’s series, after both teams ended the regular season with identical 12-10 records.

Saturday’s lineup includes UCU Lady Canons vs. KIU Rangers and KCCA Leopards vs. UPDF Lady Tomahawks. However, much attention will be on the clash between top seeds JT Lady Jaguars and defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins, two teams capable of making a deep title run.

Men’s action continues with Rezlife Saints vs. Sommet, before former champions City Oilers, who also finished with 20 wins, begin their campaign against KCCA Panthers.

Sunday’s fixtures see Namuwongo Blazers start their playoff bid against JT Jaguars, while Victoria Crocs host UCU Canons in Game Two of their series. Return women’s fixtures include Pearl Queens vs. Magic Stormers, KIU Rangers vs. UCU Lady Canons, and JKL Lady Dolphins vs. JT Lady Jaguars.

The playoffs feature the top eight teams from the regular season, with the first seed facing the eighth, second vs. seventh, third vs. sixth, and fourth vs. fifth.

Winners advance to the best-of-five semifinals, starting August 21. The championship finals will begin September 11 in a best-of-seven series.

NBL Playoffs Quarterfinals Fixtures

Friday (YMCA)

Game one
Stormers v Queens 7pm
Canons v Crocs 9pm

Saturday (YMCA)

Women 

Game one
Lady Canons v Rangers 10am
Leopards v Lady Tomahawks 12pm
Lady Jaguars v Lady Dolphins 2pm

Men
Saints v Sommet 4pm
Oilers v Panthers 6pm

Sunday (YMCA)

Women

Game two
Queens v Stormers 10am
Rangers v Lady Canons 12pm
Lady Dolphins v Lady Jaguars 2pm

Men 

Game one
Blazers v Jaguars 4pm

Game two 

Crocs v Canons 6pm