Port Harcourt Named Host for Phases I and II of 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially announced Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as one of four host cities for the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL), with the city uniquely selected to stage both Phase I and Phase II of the newly structured competition.
In a letter dated 19 August 2025 and circulated to all participating clubs, the NBBF confirmed that the league will unfold in four distinct phases—Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four—across two conferences: Savannah and Atlantic.
Port Harcourt stands out as the only city hosting back-to-back phases.
The Indoor Basketball Court located at 54 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township—home to reigning champions Rivers Hoopers BC—will serve as the battleground for Group B of the Atlantic Conference.
Joining Rivers Hoopers in this group are Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons.
Meanwhile, Group A of the Atlantic Conference will compete in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. This group features Ebun Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, and Hoops and Read.
In the Savannah Conference:
Group A matches will take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, featuring Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko Chiefs, and Correctional Service.
Group B action will unfold at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano, Kano State, with Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets battling it out.
All sixteen teams are expected to arrive at their respective venues between 26 and 27 August, with matches scheduled from 28 August to 3 September. A short break will follow before the Inter-Group Phase kicks off.
From 24 September to 5 October, Port Harcourt will once again host all eight teams from the Atlantic Conference for Phase II, while the Savannah Conference teams will converge at the National Indoor Sports Hall in Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.
Venues for the Playoffs and Final Four are yet to be announced.
This marks the third consecutive year Port Harcourt will host NBPL action, having previously staged the finals in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons—cementing its status as a premier destination for top-tier basketball in Nigeria.
