NBL 2026: Expanded Basketball season promises fierce competition than ever before

Kampala, Uganda: The National Basketball League (NBL) has officially launched its 2026 season, with league officials, clubs and players predicting one of the most competitive campaigns in recent years following major expansion, administrative reforms and an aggressive transfer window.

The launch was confirmed on Thursday, February 5, during a press conference at the Uganda Olympic Committee offices, attended by league managers, team captains and key stakeholders.

League Managers Committee chairman Fredricks Owora said the league is ready to build on recent gains both on and off the court as the season tips off on Friday, February 6, at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

“The season tips off tomorrow at Lugogo, and we are honoured to continue our partnership with BetPawa as title sponsor, alongside Stanbic Bank and FlexiPay as our game-day ticket handlers,” Owora said.

Owora added that matches will be staged across multiple venues including Lugogo, YMCA, ABJA Park Naalya, Kira Den, Rezlife Entebbe and UCU Mukono, in a deliberate effort to take basketball closer to fans. Opening-day tickets will cost Shs10,000, with 30 limited VIP seats available at Shs30,000.

League Expansion and Governance Reforms

The 2026 season also marks a major expansion, with four new teams joining the top flight. Pearl Queens and Victoria She Crocs have been added to the women’s league, while UMU Flames (Nkozi) and UPDF Tomahawks enter the men’s division.

In a key administrative shift, Owora announced that FUBA Basketball League Limited has been registered as a company.

“This move will help us professionalise the game. Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) remains the governing body, but league operations and finances will now be handled through the company,” Owora said.

Transfer Window Raises Stakes

On the court, the build-up to tip-off triggered one of the busiest transfer windows in NBL history.

Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers strengthened their title defence by signing Congolese forward Franck Fataki Nyembo from Sommet, after he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds in the second round last season.

City Oilers, the 10-time champions, responded to the departures of Joseph Chuma and Moses Maker by recruiting centre Landry Ndikumana, defensive anchor Joel Kayiira from UCU Canons, and MVP Joel “Banza” Lukoji from the Blazers — a clear signal of a calculated rebuild.

Sommet emerged as the busiest side in the market, nearly overhauling their roster with the additions of Brighton Galiwango, Mali centre Karabana Diaw, Congolese guard Nkulu Kaseya, Nigerian forward Emilagba Abdulahi, alongside Joseph Chuma and Mathew Kisakye.

Elsewhere, JT Jaguars reinforced their backcourt with Wamusosi John and Dishon Odawa, Victoria Crocs added John Aaron Eboyu, Mark Ngobi and Hon Kwany, while Rezlife Saints boosted their offence by signing scorer Edrine Ekau from Charging Rhino.

The women’s league was equally active, with Magic Stormers signing Cameroon international Kipo Gisele Kelya and DR Congo’s Basiku Mputu Grace, UCU Lady Canons adding Mariam Namukwaya, and JT Lady Jaguars bringing in Bridget Aber and Amy Chan Grace. Newly promoted Pearl Queens opted for experience as they target a playoff push.

Registration Extension

Off the court, FUBA extended registration deadlines following disruptions caused by the nationwide internet shutdown during elections. NBL teams now have until January 24 to complete registration, while lower-division teams have until February 10.