With six days to the 2026 National Basketball League tip off, the biggest debate is no longer preseason form or tactics, it’s the transfer window business and released fixtures.
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Almost every contender entered the market, but the real question is simple: who truly improved?
For some clubs, it was careful tuning. For others, a full reset.
City Oilers – Calculated rebuild or title blueprint?
After losing the crown last season, the 10-time champions moved with purpose, not panic.
Letting go of Joseph Chuma and Moses Maker crated space.
The headline signing is 2025 MVP Joel Lukoji, brought in to solve last season’s ball handling struggles.
Paired with Fayed Baale, the Oilers now boast arguably the league’s best point guard duo, easing the creative burden that once slowed their offense.
Defensively, 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Joel Kayiira strengthens the paint, while former MVP Landry Ndikumana returns with experience and leadership.
Youngster Isaac Akoal and top scorer Daniel Odonkyero add depth to a squad that looks balanced, tougher and clearly focused on reclaiming the title.
This feels less like a gamble and more like a plan.
RezLife Saints – Smart additions, measured ambition
The Saints avoided a major overhaul and chose selective reinforcement instead.
Keeping most of the 2025 core preserves chemistry, while Edrine Ekau, Hon Kuany, Duot Ajang and Kevin Moru bring depth and flexibility.
Ekau stands out as a reliable scorer with experience, Kuany’s ability to play multiple positions offers tactical freedom, and Ajang’s youth provides long term promise.
They may not be instant title favorites, but the moves suggest a side aiming higher than last season, a top-six finish looks realistic.
Namuwongo Blazers – Strengthening strength
Already viewed as the strongest team, the Blazers made the boldest move by signing Franck Nyembo, widely regarded as the league’s best player. It’s the kind of signing champions make to stay ahead.
Just as important, they kept their successful core intact. Continuity plus elite talent is a dangerous mix.
Chemistry is already built, expectations are clear, and Nyembo simply raises the ceiling. While others improved, the Blazers raised the bar.
Sommet – High risk, High reward
No team was busier than Sommet, who nearly rebuilt from scratch.
Only four players remain from last season as ten new faces arrive, most of them young and versatile. It’s bold and unpredictable.
Experience wasn’t ignored. Peter Cheng and the improving John Focus Teko provide continuity, while Nkulu Kaseya and well travelled Emilagba Abdulahi add maturity and exposure.
If cohesion comes quickly, Sommet could surprise many. If not, the overhaul may cost them early points.
Women’s Teams: Subtle tweaks, Big intentions
Magic Stormers – Continental experience arrives
The Stormers trusted their core but added pedigree with Cameroon international Kipo Gisele Kelya and DRC national team player Basiku Mputu Grace.
Both bring height, experience and continental exposure, qualities that often separate contenders from mid-table sides.
Alongside Kur Ajah and Joy Nekesa Mupalia, the Stormers look set to climb rather than merely compete.
UCU Lady Canons – Fixing the fine details
For the Lady Canons, improvement meant addressing gaps.
Last season exposed the lack of a reliable backup point guard behind Shillah Lamunu, Mariam Namukwaya now fills that role.
Faith Aseru adds size and bench strength in the paint, while the retained core keeps the team identity intact.
Quiet moves, but often the ones that deliver consistency.
JT Lady Jaguars – Stability with surgical additions
Fresh from a finals appearance, the Jaguars chose continuity.
Keeping the entire roster signaled belief, while the additions of experienced champion Bridget Aber and versatile Amy Chan Grace may be the final pieces of an already strong puzzle.
Few teams enter the season with such balance between chemistry, experience and hunger.
Pearl Queens – Experience over hype
The Division One champions took a different path, retaining only three players but injecting NBL experience through names like Fildauce, Nanyonga and Kamwada.
Jane Iriele and Rosiane Mungwapa Mpokfuri add size and physical presence, while Akello Scovia and Rose Adhiambo offer steady support.
They may not trouble the top three immediately, but a playoff place is a realistic target.
Right or Wrong? The verdict awaits the Court
Transfer windows are judged twice, first on paper, then on the court.
The Oilers look refreshed, the Blazers reinforced, Sommet daring, and several women’s teams sharper rather than louder.
