Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports, Devin Daly, addresses NEBL Press Conference at the Belize City Civic Center on Monday, January 2026. Photo Credit: NSC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In a move that signals a significant shift in how semi-professional sports are funded in Belize, the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) officially launched its 2026 season on Monday. Backed by a historic subsidy from the Ministry of Sports, the league is set to tip off on February 21, 2026, with a highly anticipated double-header at the Belize City Civic Center.
The launch, held at the Belize City Civic Center, brought together government officials, league executives, and team owners to outline a vision for a “sustainable and stable” future for the sport.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports, Devin Daly, addresses the NEBL press conference at the Belize City Civic Center on Monday, January 2026. Sitting from left to right are National Sports Council of Belize (NSC) Director Jason Menzies, NEBL Commissioner Leroy Banner, and NEBL Operations Manager Dr. Karim Juan. Photo credit: NSC
A Historic Subsidy: “Doing the Heavy Lifting”
Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports Devin Daly and NEBL Commissioner Leroy Banner emphasized that this season marks a departure from the financial struggles of the past. The government has committed to a pilot project that essentially removes the overhead costs that previously crippled team owners.
“This is the first time, this is the pilot project, and this is something that we plan on expanding across the different disciplines, ” Minister Daly said.
“We are basically subsidizing everything, except the registration cost for each team. We’re providing transportation, marketing, security, venue rental. The only commitment that the teams have for this tournament is paying the registration, which is $7,000, and actually paying their players.”
Under the new agreement, the Ministry and the National Sports Council will cover:
- Transportation and Fuel
- Security and Medics
- Venue Rentals
- Marketing and $100,000 in Cash Prizes
“The league will pretty much take care of all those expenses that used to hinder teams from making a profit,” Commissioner Banner stated.
“For the first time in the history of sports basketball, a team could make a profit.”
Banner noted the funding is backed by a sustainable source.
“Minister [of Sports] Anthony Mahler said that the Prime Minister has pledged that a portion of the Boledo profits will be used to sponsor sports in Belize,” Banner said.
NEBL Commissioner Leroy Banner – Photo Credit: NSC
The 2026 Lineup and Roster Rules
The NEBL will feature seven teams representing districts across the country, with the exception of Toledo that doesn’t have a team this time around:
- Belize City Defenders
- San Pedro Tiger Sharks
- Orange Walk Running Rebels
- Corozal Spartans (The newest addition)
- Belmopan Trojans
- Cayo Western Ballaz
- Dangriga Dream Ballers
To maintain high-quality play while fostering local growth, the league has implemented a “3 Non-Resident” rule. Each team is allowed three players who are not residents of Belize, with no distinction made between Americans and Belizean-Americans. Banner said the goal is a “fusion” of homegrown talent and international skill.
Beyond the Court: Grassroots and Crime Prevention
The 2026 season is presented as more than just a tournament; it is a social intervention. Daly spoke passionately about a long-term plan to use the NEBL as a pinnacle for a “talent identification unit” that reaches into primary and high schools.
“Sports decrease crime,” Banner reminded the press. “If you work out, if you focus on your skill, then you can aspire to come and play at the Civic Center… this creates opportunities for scholarships and personal upliftment.”
NEBL Operations Manager Dr Karim Juan. Photo Credit: NSC
Addressing the Belize City Hurricanes’ absence
The launch was not without its controversies. Notably absent were the Belize City Hurricanes, who won the 2024 Belize Elite Basketball League are expected to be part of the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL), a separate entity starting in July.
Minister Daly was firm in his stance that the government would not subsidize the BPBL, calling it a “private league.” However, he extended an olive branch: “I am challenging the management of that other league for them to come over and have us have a united front. We can potentially have more than one league, but just united.”
Looking Ahead
Operations Manager Dr. Karim Juan noted that while the league was abruptly halted by COVID-19 in 2020, this 2026 relaunch is built for longevity. “We are sitting down to figure out a 3 to 5-year plan to ensure that this league is long-term and not only a one-off affair,” Juan said.
With referees being trained to FIBA standards and a focus on family-oriented entertainment and giveaways, the NEBL is betting big on the public’s hunger for high-level competition.
San Pedro Tiger Sharks representative said San Pedro Tiger Sharks will take the championship. Photo Credit: NSC
Opening Night: February 21, 2026
The season begins with a massive double-header in the city and a clash in the capital.
At the Belize City Civic Center:
- 7:30 pm – San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs. Cayo Western Ballaz
- 9:30 pm – Belize City Defenders vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels
At the UB Gymnasium, Belmopan:
- 8:00 pm – Belmopan Trojans vs. Corozal Spartans
