The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations has revised the 2026 National Basketball League fixtures following public criticism from fans, analysts, and stakeholders over the initial schedule.
FUBA confirmed adjustments to 24 fixtures after concerns emerged over a number of issues, notably, the heavy placement of newly promoted teams in Friday prime time slots at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Friday 7 PM games draw the league’s largest physical audience and are broadcast live on NBS Sport and AfroMobile, a slot many observers argued should protect competitiveness and support long term growth, especially in women’s basketball.
Pearl Queens, promoted ahead of the 2026 season, had been scheduled to headline 5 of the 9 Friday night fixtures in the first round.
Critics warned the exposure risked hurting both the team and the product, which was witnessed on opening day last Friday, when the Queens’ results on court failed to match preseason expectations.
Pearl Queens opened their NBL campaign with a heavy 74-29 loss to JT Lady Jaguars. Before the season, the side had been viewed as competitive after the Division One truimph, a factor FUBA reportedly used when allocating prime viewing slots in the original schedule.
Under the revised schedule, Pearl Queens will now feature only twice more in Friday prime time.
Those fixtures are against record champions UCU Lady Canons on Friday March 13 and defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins on Friday April 3, the final women’s game of the first round.
This Friday’s originally scheduled 7 PM clash between Pearl Queens and KCCA Leopards has also been changed.
UCU Lady Canons will now face Magic Stormers, while the Pearl Queens versus KCCA Leopards game moves to Saturday February 14 at 10 AM.
Of the 24 adjusted fixtures, 10 are from the women’s league and 14 from the men’s league. The changes come ahead of Matchday 2, which tips off tomorrow, Wednesday February 11 with six games across three venues.
At YMCA Wandegeya, Miracle Eaglets face UPDF Lady Tomahawks at 7 PM before City Oilers take on UPDF Tomahawks at 9 PM in the men’s game.
At the Lugogo Indoor Arena, KIU Rangers meet Angels at 7 PM, followed by Sommet BC versus UMU Flames at 9 PM.
Action at the Jaguars Den in Kira will be broadcast live, with JT Lady Jaguars facing Victoria She Crocs at 7 PM on NBS Sport 2 on AfroMobile, before JT Jaguars hosting Victoria Crocs at 9 PM live on NBS Sport.
