NBBF Expands Men’s Premier League To 20 Teams, Unveils New Player Rules

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has confirmed a major overhaul of the men’s Premier League, expanding the competition from 16 to 20 teams ahead of the 2026 season and introducing fresh player eligibility rules designed to boost home talent and maintain balance across clubs.

The new campaign will tip off on May 9, with the league reorganised into a wider two-conference structure and stricter roster regulations. Players will now fall into three categories: home-based, diaspora and foreign.

While there is no restriction on home-based players, each club may sign only one diaspora player, defined as a Nigerian passport holder living abroad, and a maximum of two foreign players. Both diaspora and foreign recruits must present a valid FIBA international transfer certificate and pay administrative fees before registration.

Clubs will be limited to a 15-man squad, while a two-week transfer window has been created at the start of the playoffs. During that period, teams may fill only vacant roster slots and cannot remove previously registered players. The federation has also set a protest fee of ₦500,000.

The revamped league will be split into the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences, each featuring 10 teams. Nigeria Customs, Nile University, Kano Pillars, Bauchi Nets, Plateau Peaks, Gboko City Chiefs, Gombe Bulls, Niger Potters and 313 Warriors are confirmed in the Savannah Conference, with one slot still open. In the Atlantic Conference, defending champions Maktown Flyers are joined by Rivers Hoopers, Comets, Hoops and Reads, Kwara Falcons, Athletes for Peace, Edo Beads and Raptors, while two positions remain vacant.

Promotion and relegation changes were also announced. Correctional drop out of the Savannah Conference, while Oluyole Warriors, Police Batons and Delta Force have been relegated from the Atlantic Conference after failing to participate in the 2025 season.

Bidding has opened for the remaining three slots, with interested clubs required to submit applications and pay a minimum fee of ₦5m before the April 20 deadline. Registration closes on April 30, the group stage runs from May 9 to May 19, playoffs are scheduled for July 2 to July 12, and the Final Four will take place from August 7 to August 14.