The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has approved a major overhaul of the men’s Premier League ahead of the 2026 season, expanding the competition from 16 to 20 teams and rolling out new eligibility guidelines aimed at strengthening the domestic game.
According to details released by the federation, the new season will commence on May 9, with a revised format designed to improve competitiveness and encourage the development of local talent.
A key feature of the new structure is the classification of players into three categories, home-based, diaspora, and foreign. While clubs are free to register an unlimited number of home-based players, they will be limited to one diaspora player and a maximum of two foreign players.
The federation defines diaspora players as Nigerian passport holders based abroad, and both diaspora and foreign recruits must secure a valid FIBA international transfer certificate, in addition to meeting administrative requirements.
Teams will also be restricted to a maximum squad size of 15 players. A special transfer window will open for two weeks at the start of the playoffs, allowing clubs to fill vacant positions without removing previously registered players. In addition, the NBBF has set a protest fee of ₦500,000.
The expanded league will adopt a two-conference format, with 20 teams split evenly between the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences.
In the Savannah Conference, teams such as Nigeria Customs, Nile University, Kano Pillars, Bauchi Nets, Plateau Peaks, Gboko City Chiefs and Gombe Bulls are confirmed, alongside newly promoted Niger Potters and 313 Warriors. One slot in the conference remains open.
The Atlantic Conference will feature reigning champions Maktown Flyers, Rivers Hoopers, Comets, Hoops and Reads and Kwara Falcons, as well as promoted sides Athletes for Peace, Edo Beads and Raptors. Two additional places are yet to be filled.
The federation also confirmed adjustments to promotion and relegation. Correctional will not feature in the Savannah Conference, while Oluyole Warriors, Police Batons and Delta Force drop out of the Atlantic Conference after failing to participate in the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, the NBBF has invited interested clubs to bid for the remaining three slots, with applications requiring a non-refundable fee of ₦5,000,000. Submissions close on April 20, and selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
The registration deadline for participating teams is April 30, while the group phase is scheduled to run from May 9 to May 19. The playoffs will hold between July 2 and July 12, with the Final Four slated for August 7 to August 14.
