07 May 2026

Botswana Basketball League has postponed its season tip-off date from the initial May 8 to May 15 owing to logistical challenges in both the South and North divisions.

The league adjourned last year with the crowning of Dolphins, who secured a double title triumph.

Both their men’s and women’s teams won the championship in September last year following an exceptional victory against Police V in the best-of-three finals series.

The ‘Phins’ dominated the league and have established themselves as the premier club in Botswana basketball.

Their men’s team won the 2025 playoffs by beating Police V in a thrilling series, further building their reputation as multiple-time champions who frequently defended their titles and competed at the regional level.

Prior to the 2025 win, the Dolphins were champions in 2023, while BDF V took the title in 2024. 

The club remains a dominant force, having successfully defended their crown to remain Botswana’s top basketball programme.

In an interview, Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) president, Mothusi Thipe revealed that it was vital for the league committee to reschedule resumption of games to iron out pending issues regarding team compliance.

“It is important to note that the committee had to ensure team compliance with both CIPA and Registry of Societies regulations before resuming the league and I am pleased that we are at almost 95 per cent compliance rate,” Thipe said.

He stated that draft fixtures would be released ahead of the final schedule to give teams time to review and prepare, as well as work on their fitness levels.

Thipe expressed delight regarding the prospects of the league’s resumption. 

He remained hopeful that this season’s campaign would be more attractive to both spectators and potential sponsors, as the league was currently in a transformation process toward commercialisation.

He noted that this season had all the ingredients of success, particularly the P500 000 grant secured from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), which would be distributed to teams to cover administration costs.

After operating without a sponsor for several seasons, Thipe indicated that the league had made significant headway in securing a partner for the year.

“I can assure the basketball fraternity that talks with potential sponsors are at an advanced stage and we will soon be putting pen to paper to finalise a sponsorship agreement,” he said.

A total of 15 clubs are set to participate this season. 

The new campaign brings another opportunity for players and teams to compete, grow and continue building the game locally. ENDS