In a bid to get all the 16 teams in the Atlantic and Savannah Conference ready for the 2024 NBBF Premier League, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has published the details and format for this year’s edition.
The program rundown made public on Tuesday by the Federation, shows that the League will run in three stages, starting with the Conference Play-Off, then the Second Round Play-Off and will be concluded with the Final Four.
In the Playoffs, which is the first phase, the teams within each conference shall play each other home and away (16 games per
team in the regular season). Each team will have 2 specific venues designated for home and away matches.
And to give the players ample time to rest and restrategize, matches shall be scheduled in such a way that when one conference is playing, the other is resting, and vice versa. This ensures efficient use of facilities, optimal game scheduling, and nationwide follow-up of the league.
The Top 4 clubs from each conference shall advance to the Second Round playoffs while the bottom 4 clubs of each conference shall play each other to determine which team will be relegated to the TotalEnergies Division 1
The Federation further explained that the team that finished top during the Final Four standings will be declared the league winner and will represent Nigeria at the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), says this League’s format is one of the numerous efforts to improve the standard of Basketball in Nigeria and develop a structure aimed at allowing more competitive and engaging league format.
“This format has clear pathways for teams to advance, while maintaining excitement and interest throughout the League Season. It will also provide a comprehensive framework for the entire competition and a structured format that further enhances security by minimizing travel between venues, thus ensuring the safety of players, and reducing logistical challenges,” Says NBBF scribe Peter Njoku.
The NBBF Secretary General went on to state that, “This approach will also promote cost-effectiveness for teams, optimizing resources and creating a more sustainable league environment.
newstap.com.ng understands that the Nigeria Basketball governing body has equally initiated other requirements that will enable all Premier League Clubs establish a solid foundation for success both on and off the court, while also enhancing their professionalism and appeal within the league and the wider community.
Rivers Hoopers of Port Harcourt are the defending champions of the NBBF Premier League.
Clubs in the Premier League:
Savannah Conference
1. Nigeria Customs Basketball of Abuja
2. Nile University Basketball Club of Abuja
3. Kano Pillars Basketball Club of Kano
4. Bauchi Nets Basketball of Bauchi
5. Plateau Peaks Basketball Club of Jos
6. Gboko City Chiefs’ Basketball Club of Gboko
7. Gombe Bulls Basketball Club of Gombe
8. Correctional Basketball Club of Abuja
Atlantic Conference
1. Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club of Port-harcourt
2. Lagos Legends Basketball Club of Lagos
3. Police Batons Basketball Club of Lagos
4. Delta Force Basketball Club of Asaba
5. Kwara Falcons Basketball Club of Ilorin
6. Comets Basketball Club of Lagos
7. Hoops & Reads Basketball Club of Lagos
8. Oluyole Warriors Basketball Club of Ibadan
The date for the start of the 2024 Premier League as well as the venues to be used during the season shall be made public by the NBBF very soon.
