Tanzania’s National Basketball League to be Held in Dodoma
The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has officially announced that this year’s National Basketball League (NBL) will take place at the Chinangali Court in Dodoma from November 26 to December 6, 2025. The announcement was made by TBF Secretary-General Mwenze Kabinda during an interview with a local media outlet. Kabinda emphasized that this season is expected to deliver a highly competitive tournament, featuring 28 teams from across the country.
Of these, 16 teams will compete in the men’s category, while 12 teams will participate in the women’s category. This division highlights the growing popularity of basketball throughout Tanzania and reflects the increasing interest in both male and female basketball players.
“We are now preparing for the event, and soon we will announce the sponsors and the final list of participating teams,” Kabinda said. He also mentioned that last year’s men’s title was won by Dar City after an impressive tournament run, with ABC finishing as runners-up in a competition sponsored by the betting brand BetPawa.
BetPawa introduced a unique feature known as Locker Room Bonus payouts, which awarded 12 players and four team officials a cash prize of Sh140,000 each immediately after a match victory. These payments were made directly to mobile accounts before the teams left the court. The brand injected a total of Sh194.8 million into the National Basketball League, significantly contributing to the growth and development of the sport.
In the women’s category, Fox Divaz from Mara emerged as champions, outshining DB Lioness of Dar es Salaam in the finals. Their performance highlighted the rising standards of women’s basketball in the country.
The NBL is expected to attract basketball enthusiasts from all over Tanzania and provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills on a national level. Kabinda stressed that the TBF is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will further enhance the profile of basketball in the country.
“The National Basketball League has grown significantly over the past few years, and we are determined to make this edition even more competitive. Fans should expect high-quality games and exciting matchups,” he added.
Key Highlights of the Upcoming NBL Season
- Venue: Chinangali Court in Dodoma
- Dates: November 26 to December 6, 2025
- Number of Teams: 28 teams, split evenly between men’s and women’s categories
- Sponsorship: BetPawa provided significant financial support, including innovative payout systems
- Previous Winners:
- Men’s: Dar City
- Women’s: Fox Divaz from Mara
The league continues to serve as a vital platform for developing basketball talent and promoting the sport across Tanzania. With increased participation and investment, the NBL is set to become an even more prestigious event in the coming years.
Future Plans and Goals
Kabinda also outlined future plans for the TBF, emphasizing the importance of continued growth and development. He mentioned that the federation aims to expand the reach of the NBL, improve infrastructure, and invest in grassroots programs to nurture new talent.
“By focusing on these areas, we hope to create a sustainable environment for basketball in Tanzania,” he said. “This includes working closely with local communities, schools, and clubs to identify and develop promising players.”
The TBF is also looking to strengthen its partnerships with sponsors and international organizations to bring more resources and exposure to the sport. This collaboration is expected to benefit not only the players but also the fans who support the game.
As the countdown begins for the 2025 NBL, excitement is building among basketball enthusiasts across the country. With a strong lineup of teams, innovative sponsorship models, and a commitment to excellence, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in the history of Tanzanian basketball.