Uganda’s National Basketball League is ready to roar back to life, and the new season will open with a timely reminder of just how dramatic last year was.
The 2026 NBL season was officially launched on Thursday at the Uganda Olympic Committee headquarters, with league officials, team representatives and captains gathering in an atmosphere charged by the memories of a 2025 campaign that rewrote the script.
On the men’s side, Namuwongo Blazers broke new ground by lifting their first-ever title, shaking up the league’s traditional power balance.
In the women’s division, JKL Lady Dolphins stayed firmly on top, successfully defending their crown and underlining their dominance.
With those storylines still fresh, attention now shifts to a new season that begins in blockbuster fashion.
“The season tips off tomorrow, 6th February, at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with title sponsors,” said League Managers Committee chairman Fredricks Owora.
Owora added that the league will be played across several venues this season, Lugogo Indoor Arena, YMCA, Abja Park Naalya, Kira Den, Rezlife Entebbe and UCU Mukono as part of efforts to take the game closer to fans.
“Tickets for tomorrow will go for 10,000 shillings, with 30 limited VIP seats available at 30,000 shillings,” he said.
Off the court, the league has taken a major step towards professionalism. Owora confirmed that FUBA Basketball League Limited has been registered as a company to manage the league’s operations and finances.
“This will help us professionalise the game. FUBA remains the governing body, but all operational and financial matters will now be handled by the company,” he explained.
The 2026 season also brings fresh faces. Marketing and Communications Manager Arnold Katabi announced four new teams, with Pearl Queens and Victoria She Crocs joining the women’s league, while UMU Flames from Nkozi and UPDF Tomahawks boost the men’s division.
Operations Manager Nyeko Stephen Escodata noted that logistical challenges limited the number of teams hosting games at home venues.
“We wanted more teams to host games at their home courts, but the responses were not fully met. We therefore settled on the available venues, including two neutral grounds,” Escodata said.
All eyes now turn to Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena, where the season tips off with a mouthwatering double header.
At 7:00pm, last season’s women’s finalists JT Jaguars face newcomers Pearl Queens in a stern early test.
Then at 9:00pm, fans will be treated to a repeat of last season’s men’s final as ten-time champions City Oilers take on reigning champions Namuwongo Blazers in a clash heavy with rivalry and unfinished business.
