For years, Ugandan basketball fans have grown accustomed to watching National Basketball League (NBL) games at either MTN Arena in Lugogo or YMCA Court in Wandegeya. But this season, the league is breaking new ground.
The 2025 NBL campaign, which tips off on Friday, March 21, will see games hosted at multiple venues, expanding the league’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds.
Lugogo and YMCA will still feature prominently, but new arenas such as UCU Mukono, ABJA Park, and Rezlife Lubowa will now host league matches, marking a significant shift in how and where the game is played.
This expansion aims to decentralise basketball, bringing the game closer to different communities.
By hosting matches at various locations, the league hopes to tap into new fan bases, encourage team-specific home support, and increase overall engagement.
The scheduling changes also stand out, particularly for midweek fixtures. Unlike previous seasons where games were mainly concentrated at a single venue on Wednesdays, this time, multiple arenas will host games simultaneously.
For instance, on March 26 and April 2, games will take place concurrently at Lugogo, YMCA, and ABJA Park. Similarly, Rezlife Lubowa, ABJA Park, and Lugogo will share hosting duties on April 9 and 16, while YMCA replaces ABJA in the rotation on April 23.
While this move is expected to boost attendance in different locations and reduce venue rental costs for some clubs, it also presents challenges.
Media coverage could become an issue, as journalists may struggle to attend all key matchups spread across different arenas.
Additionally, clubs will have to take on the responsibility of mobilising their fan bases to ensure decent turnouts at each venue.
Nevertheless, the move is a bold step toward professionalising the league, making basketball more accessible, and potentially generating more revenue.
If successful, this decentralised hosting model could redefine how the NBL operates and set the stage for future expansion.
