The National Basketball League (NBL) is gearing up for a thrilling new season, promising fiercer competition, fresh faces, and renewed excitement for fans in the 2026 season.
This season is especially significant off the court. It marks the second consecutive season in which the league is managed by the clubs themselves, a model administrators believe will strengthen ownership, professionalism, and long-term growth.
On the court, the 2026 season welcomes four new teams: Pearl Queens, Victoria She Crocs, UPDF Tomahawks, and Uganda Martyrs University. According to National Basketball League Committee Chairperson Fredricks Freedom Owora, their arrival, combined with a growing number of players recruited from West Africa, has raised the league’s competitive standards.
“In the past, most teams signed players from within East Africa. Now we are seeing more West African players joining the league, which makes it tougher and more exciting,” he said.
The season also comes with a historic twist on the men’s side: for the first time in ten years, the league tips off with a reigning champion other than City Oilers, signalling a potential shift in the balance of power.
The New season was launched on 5th Feb 2026 at the UOC Offices in lugogo where Arnold Katabi, the FUBA PR, used the opportunity to outline how fixtures for the season are prepared, emphasising transparency and collective input. He explained that the Competitions Manager drafts the fixtures, which are then reviewed by the Technical Committee before final approval by the Executive Committee (EXCOMM) and circulation to all stakeholders.
“The process allows input from different committees, and fixtures can still be adjusted where necessary,” Katabi said, responding to concerns raised about scheduling.
He noted that international commitments, particularly FIBA windows and national team call-ups, often force last-minute changes.
“We don’t always receive FIBA dates early, so flexibility is key. These adjustments may affect some teams, but not necessarily the entire league,” he added.
To boost fan engagement, the NBL will introduce weekly winning ticket promotions. Each week, ten fans will win free match tickets through social media quizzes and online interactions.
Prize money is also set to improve. Last season’s champions took home UGX 5 million, while runners-up earned UGX 3 million. Committee member Steven Nyeko Escodata revealed that discussions are ongoing to double those rewards.
“We are considering UGX 10 million for the champions and about UGX 5 million for the runners-up, although final figures are still being discussed,” Escodata said.
League officials also announced plans to strengthen marketing and media outreach by bringing on dedicated professionals to better promote the game and attract sponsors
Teams, meanwhile, are already locked in. JT Lady Jaguars captain Ageno Sarah expressed confidence in her side’s readiness.
“We are really prepared for whatever comes our way. We expect challenges, but we are ready to compete,” she said.
Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers know the task ahead will be tougher. Team captain Michael Makiadi highlighted improved chemistry, key new signings, and lessons learned from last season.
“We learned not to take any team for granted. This time, we want to start strong and finish strong,” Makiadi said.
Rez Life Saints, last season’s surprise package after reaching the playoffs, are aiming even higher. Player Caleb Katumba said preparations have been intense.
“This season will be different. We are ready to compete and represent Rez Life fully,” he said.
UPDF Tomahawks, heading into their third NBL season, also echoed the optimism sweeping through the league. “We are prepared, motivated, and ready to take it one game at a time,” said a representative
Administratively, officials clarified that while the NBL operates as a registered entity to streamline finances and day-to-day operations, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) remains the sport’s governing body.
With new teams, stronger rosters, higher prize money, improved fan engagement, and growing professionalism, the upcoming NBL season promises intense battles and fresh storylines.
The league tips off on Friday, 6th, at the Lugogo Arena, with JT Lady Jaguars facing newly promoted Pearl Queens, while defending champions Namuwongo Blazers take on record-time giants City Oilers in what promises to be a blockbuster opener.
2026 NBL Fixtures
We read these articles to stay updated on fixtures, but, most times, the kickoff times not listed. How does the league attract new crowds, if info about its fixture times are scanty. All the same, thanks for the coverage, but please provide complete information.