NBBF Sets August 9 for 2025 Men’s Premier Basketball League Tip-Off

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced that the 2025 Men’s Premier Basketball League will officially begin on August 9, with fixtures scheduled to take place across the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences, Sport360NG reports.

According to the federation, this year’s competition will be staged in four distinct phases. The opening phase will feature group-stage action, which will be followed by an inter-group round. Teams that progress from the second phase will battle it out in the playoffs, with the season culminating in a Final Four showdown to determine the national champions.

While venues for each phase of the competition are yet to be disclosed, the NBBF stated that those details will be communicated in the coming weeks.

A total of 16 teams will compete in this year’s top-flight league. The franchises include Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko Chiefs, Correctional, Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, Bauchi Nets, Comets, Police Baton, Lagos Legends, Hoops & Reeds, Rivers Hoopers, Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons.

These teams have been split into four groups of four across the two conferences. In the Savannah Conference, Group A comprises Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko Chiefs, and Correctional, while Group B features Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets.

The Atlantic Conference also mirrors this structure. Group A includes Comets, Police Baton, Lagos Legends, and Hoops & Reeds, while Group B features Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, Kwara Falcons, and reigning league champions Rivers Hoopers, who also have Basketball Africa League experience.