Photo Credit: NEBL
By Ruben Morales Iglesias: The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will tip off its 2026 season on Friday, February 21, with a double‑header at the Belize City Civic Center. The league returns under its original name after several years of post‑pandemic transitions, including the Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) and the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL). Seven teams will compete for a combined $100,000 prize, with $70,000 awarded to the champions and $30,000 to the runners‑up.
The NEBL’s last season was halted abruptly in 2020 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, with the San Pedro Tiger Sharks in the lead at the time of the shutdown. Elite basketball resumed in subsequent years under different formats, culminating in the BEBL’s rebranding as the NEBL in late 2025 under new commissioner Leroy Banner.
Week 1 – Friday, February 21
The season opens with three games across two venues:
- San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs. Cayo Western Ballaz
7:30 p.m.
Belize City Civic Center - Belize City Defenders vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels
9:30 p.m.
Belize City Civic Center - Belmopan Trojans vs. Corozal Spartans
8:00 p.m.
UB Gymnasium, Belmopan
Week 2 – February 27–28
Week 2 features three matchups, including the season debut of the EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers:
Friday, February 27
- Belmopan Trojans vs. San Pedro Tiger Sharks
8:00 p.m.
UB Gymnasium, Belmopan
Saturday, February 28
- Cayo Western Ballaz vs. Belize City Defenders
8:00 p.m.
Victor Galvez Stadium, San Ignacio - Orange Walk Running Rebels vs. EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers
8:00 p.m.
Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex
See the full season schedule below:
The post NEBL releases Opening Schedule; 2026 season to tip off on February 21 at the Belize City Civic Center appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Photo Credit: NEBL By Ruben Morales Iglesias: The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will tip off its 2026 season on Friday, February 21, with a double‑header at the Belize City Civic Center. The league returns under its original name after several years of post‑pandemic transitions, including the Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) and the Belize
The post NEBL releases Opening Schedule; 2026 season to tip off on February 21 at the Belize City Civic Center appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
