The curtain came down on the 2026 National Basketball League regular season on Sunday, with attention now shifting to the playoffs following a dramatic final round of fixtures at YMCA Court.
The biggest casualty of the final day was UPDF Tomahawks, whose hopes of preserving their top-flight status ended after a narrow loss to Victoria Crocs. Needing victory to stay in the division, the Tomahawks struggled to recover from a slow start and ultimately fell short despite a spirited fightback in the closing stages.
The result sealed their relegation alongside Kampala Rockets, bringing an end to a challenging campaign for both sides.
Victoria Crocs, meanwhile, wrapped up the regular season on a positive note and secured a place in the postseason. Their victory also confirmed a quarterfinal showdown against UCU Canons after both teams finished with identical records.
Elsewhere, the race for playoff positioning was settled as Namuwongo Blazers finished top of the men’s standings, edging City Oilers on tiebreakers after both sides concluded the campaign with 20 wins and just two defeats. Rezlife Saints secured third place, while JT Jaguars, Sommet BC, KCCA Panthers and Victoria Crocs completed the playoff field.
The men’s quarterfinal matchups will see Namuwongo Blazers face JT Jaguars, City Oilers take on KCCA Panthers, Rezlife Saints battle Sommet BC, and UCU Canons meet Victoria Crocs.
In the women’s division, UCU Lady Canons ended the regular season with a commanding victory but were forced to settle for second place after finishing level on points with leaders JT Lady Jaguars. The table-toppers will begin their title chase against JKL Lady Dolphins, while UCU Lady Canons face KIU Rangers.
KCCA Leopards have been paired with UPDF Lady Tomahawks, and Magic Stormers will take on Pearl Queens in what promises to be a closely contested series.
The 2026 National Basketball League playoffs are scheduled to tip off on July 10, with teams now turning their focus to the knockout stage and the race for championship glory.
