The start of the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season has been postponed by a week, with the new tip-off date set for March 21 instead of the initially scheduled March 14.
The decision was made during a recent meeting between the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) Executive Committee and the NBL Committee.
In an official statement dated March 3, FUBA confirmed the development, citing unavoidable challenges as the reason for the postponement.
“The National Basketball League earlier scheduled to tip off on March 14, 2025, has been rescheduled due to unavoidable challenges,” read part of the statement signed by FUBA General Secretary Hudson Ssegamwenge.
“The league has been rescheduled to start on March 21, 2025, and a fixture to that effect shall be shared for effective preparations.”
The statement, addressed to all NBL team managers through the league chairman, also extended an apology for any inconvenience caused by the change.
With the revised schedule, teams will now have an additional week to fine-tune their preparations ahead of what promises to be another thrilling season of Ugandan basketball.
Defending champions City Oilers will once again be the team to beat in the men’s division, as they seek to extend their dominance after securing a record ten consecutive league titles.
However, they’ll face stiff competition from Nam Blazers, who have had a number of notable reinforcements.
In the women’s division, reigning champions JKL Lady Dolphins will be looking to retain their crown in what is expected to be another highly competitive season.
However, the new campaign will see the absence of some familiar teams. Five-time men’s champions Dmark Power and Ndejje Angels were relegated at the end of the 2024 season, making way for promoted sides Rezlife Saints and Victoria University.
In the women’s league, YMCA Lady Hamsters and Kampala University Ladies dropped to the second division, with Nkumba Lady Marines and newcomers Our Saviour Banyabo earning promotion to the top tier.
The 2025 NBL season will feature 12 teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The men’s league will comprise City Oilers, KIU Titans, Nam Blazers, UCU Canons, KCCA Panthers, Our Saviour, JT Jaguars, Kampala Rockets, Livingstone, JKL Dolphins, Rezlife Saints, and Victoria University.
In the women’s category, the teams include JKL Lady Dolphins, UCU Lady Canons, KIU Rangers, JT Lady Jaguars, KCCA Leopards, Miracle Ravens, Magic Stormers, UPDF Lady Tomahawks, A1 Challenge, Nabisunsa Girls, Nkumba Lady Marines, and Our Saviour Banyabo.
