Port Harcourt to host 2026 NPBL Playoffs as dates shift to August 29-September 6
Port Harcourt has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Playoffs, with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announcing a revised schedule for the eight-team Phase 3 competition.
The playoffs, initially scheduled for August 22 to 29, will now take place from August 29 to September 6 at the Basketball Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.
The participating teams are expected to arrive on August 29 for pre-tournament technical meetings, with competitive action scheduled from August 30 to September 5 before departures on September 6.
The tournament will feature four qualifiers from the Atlantic Conference: Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read and Lagos Raptors, alongside Savannah Conference representatives Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs and Kano Pillars.
The confirmation marks the fourth consecutive year Port Harcourt will host the NPBL Playoffs, further establishing Rivers State as a key destination for elite domestic basketball in Nigeria. The venue also hosted last year’s playoffs and Final Four, attracting strong support from basketball fans in the city.
In a communiqué issued on August 21 by NBBF Vice-President and League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade and Secretary-General Amina Amanchi, the federation commended the qualifying teams for their professionalism and performances throughout the season as preparations intensify for the decisive phase of the competition.
