NSBL announces triple-event calendar for 20th anniversary

The National Souths Basketball League [NSBL] has officially launched its 20th-anniversary season, unveiling an ambitious three-tournament calendar supported by long-time partner Petroleum Resource Kutubu [PRK].

NSBL Patron Johnny Yawari and President Sailas Nicky confirmed the national sports program during a media conference in Port Moresby on Friday.

The headline event, the 2026 PRK National Souths Basketball Tournament, is scheduled to take place at the Taurama Aquatic Centre from May 7–10.

“This year, PRK once again takes the naming rights to the 2026 PRK National Souths Basketball Tournament,” Yawari said. “PRK has agreed to support all three tournaments throughout the year.”

The 2026 calendar includes two additional landmark events:

• The Class of Champions [September] - A special 20th-anniversary face-off in Lae featuring premiership-winning teams, both men and women, from the past two decades.

• Provincial NSBL Tournament [December] - A return to Southern Highlands, with the host site in either Mendi, Erave, Nipa, or Kutubu, to be determined based on the completion of suitable court facilities.

President Nicky emphasized that while the main Port Moresby tournament identifies raw talent, the Southern Highlands event remains a top priority for strengthening grassroots participation.

“I’ve instructed local associations in Mendi, Erave, Nipa, and Kutubu to start building proper basketball courts,” Yawari said. “Whoever provides a suitable venue will host the tournament in December.”

Registration for the May tournament is now open, with fees set at K1,000 for both male and female divisions.

Organizers expect the 20th edition to be the most successful in the league’s history, providing a boost to local economies and creating pathways for youth through sports.

The NSBL remains Papua New Guinea’s longest-running off-season basketball competition, sanctioned by the National Basketball Federation.