Newly appointed Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) Deputy Commissioner Glenn Gill (left) with BPBL Commissioner Claudio Leal – Photo credit: BPBL
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) have appointed veteran official and former league executive Glenn Gill as their new Deputy Commissioner, strengthening their leadership team at a moment when Belizean basketball is preparing to operate with two top‑tier national leagues in 2026.
Gill, one of Belize’s longest‑serving referees, spent decades officiating at the highest levels, including as an internationally accredited FIBA referee. His long involvement in the sport and his experience as Commissioner of the Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL), precursor to the BPBL, make him a significant addition to the BPBL’s leadership structure. He joins Deputy Commissioner Amir Garcia under Commissioner Claudio Leal, who is now in his second year at the helm.
Gill will oversee league operations and regional readiness as the BPBL prepare for their next season, scheduled for July 2026.
Two National Leagues, Shared Teams
The announcement comes just after the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) confirmed their return to competition in February 2026. The NEBL, which last played in 2020 before the pandemic halted operations, are relaunching with seven teams and a $100,000 cash prize.
Belize will now see two elite basketball leagues in the same calendar year — the NEBL in February and the BPBL in July — with several teams competing in both. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks and Cayo Western Ballaz, finalists in the 2025 BPBL Championship, are among the crossover clubs confirmed for the NEBL’s 2026 season.
The Tiger Sharks were crowned 2025 BPBL champions, defeating the Western Ballaz in a best‑of‑three finals series. They reached the finals after overcoming the EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers in the semifinals, while the Western Ballaz earned their place by taking down the Belize City Thunderbolts.
Cayo Western Ballaz’ Arik Nicholas powers his way against the eventual champions, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, at the Sacred College Auditorium in San Ignacio during the 2025 BPBL Championship regular season. Photo credit: Shot By Iz
How We Got Here: NEBL → BEBL → BPBL
When the NEBL shut down in 2020 due to COVID‑19, the Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) emerged to fill the void and maintain top‑flight competition. The BEBL operated during 2023 to 2024, effectively carrying the mantle of elite basketball during the post‑pandemic years.
However, disputes and organizational challenges in 2024 led to a split among teams and the creation of the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) for the 2025 season. The BPBL featured seven teams and crowned the San Pedro Tiger Sharks as champions.
In November 2025, the BEBL announced that they were rebranding and relaunching under their original name — the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) — setting the stage for the 2026 season.
A Landscape Still Taking Shape
With the NEBL returning in February and the BPBL set for July, Belizean basketball enters a unique period of dual competitions. The BPBL have publicly welcomed the NEBL’s return, emphasizing collaboration and the shared goal of strengthening the national basketball ecosystem.
Gill’s appointment reinforces that direction, adding experience, credibility, and operational depth as the BPBL prepare for their next phase.
For media enquiries, the BPBL Office of the Commissioner may be reached at +501 604‑1055.
The post Belize set for two top‑flight basketball leagues as BPBL appoint Glenn Gill Deputy Commissioner appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Newly appointed Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) Deputy Commissioner Glenn Gill (left) with BPBL Commissioner Claudio Leal – Photo credit: BPBL By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 🏀 The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) have appointed veteran official and former league executive Glenn Gill as their new Deputy Commissioner, strengthening their leadership team at a moment when
The post Belize set for two top‑flight basketball leagues as BPBL appoint Glenn Gill Deputy Commissioner appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
