The 2026 edition of the yearly national Women’s Basketball League is set to start in two centres on August 17, the organisers of the apex women’s national event, sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc, in conjunction with the Nigeria Basketball Federation, have said.

The  Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Secretary General, Amina Amanchi, said on Monday that the NBBF is set for the event, which starts in two centres – Lagos and Jos – in the next few days.

The Zenith Bank/ NBBFWomen’s League is divided into Atlantic and Savannah centres, which will see four teams each qualify from the zones to play in the finals in Lagos after the Phase 1 and Phase 2 hostilities.

“Lagos centre is the Atlantic and the league starts on August 16, while that of Jos, which is the Savannah Centre starts on August 17,” Amanchi said.

Teams expected to compete for honours in the Atlantic Conference are First Bank, Sunshine Angels, IGP Queens, First Deep Waters, Delta Force, MFM, Dolphins and Bayelsa Whales.

The Savannah Conference with Jos as venue will feature Nigeria Customs, Royal Aces, Titans, Nasarawa Babes, Kada Angels, Nigeria Army, Plateau Rocks and the Air Warriors of Abuja.

Speaking of the league, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji, said that the organisation is delighted that the flagship sports event is on centrestage.

“We look forward to this every year because we are proud that this tournament has over the years produced superstars for Nigeria and place Nigeria above all other countries on the continent.

“The women’s national team, D’Tigress, have also made a huge impact on the global stage for the Olympic Games and FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. This time, we expect some players to emerge and transit to the next level in the national team,” Umeoji said.