Belize’s premier basketball competition, the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), makes its triumphant return following a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revamped league announced an unprecedented $100,000 prize pool, establishing what officials believe to be the largest cash prize in Belizean sports history.
Karim Juan, Operations Manager for NEBL, emphasized that the league’s relaunch and rebranding symbolizes a fresh beginning and renewed stability after the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season. “The rebranding back to NEBL was more trying to symbolize a new start, symbolize stability,” Juan stated, highlighting efforts to restore confidence among players, fans, and sponsors.
The substantial prize money distribution will award $70,000 to the championship team and $30,000 to the runners-up. Juan provided assurances that the prize fund is securely guaranteed despite ongoing sponsorship negotiations.
Seven franchises have committed to participate: Corozal Spartans, Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize City Defenders, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Trojans, Cayo Western Ballaz, and EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers. The season will maintain the conventional home-and-away structure with each team playing 12 regular season games.
Notable regulatory changes include permitting three non-resident players per roster, accommodating Belizean athletes residing overseas. To ensure competitive balance, the league will assume financial responsibility for transportation, security, medical services, and promotional activities for all teams.
The season commences on February 20 at the Belize City Civic Center with a doubleheader event featuring additional entertainment programming for spectators.