Lions to face NBA team as British basketball season begins
UKPulse Sport Desk
The British men's Super League Basketball season starts on Friday, with champions London Lions set to play an NBA team next month.
- The men's Super League Basketball season begins on Friday, 18 September 2026.
- London Lions will play a friendly against the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers on 12 October.
- The women's Super League Basketball competition, SLBW, starts on Saturday, 3 October.
The 2026-27 men's Super League Basketball season is set to begin on Friday, 18 September, with Newcastle Eagles owner Paul Blake describing it as the most competitive in 30 years. Champions London Lions will start their campaign against Bristol Flyers.
The Lions, who achieved a domestic quadruple last season, are preparing for a friendly against the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers in the USA on 12 October. This will mark the first time a British side has played an NBA team.
The women's competition, SLBW, will commence on Saturday, 3 October, with Cardiff Met Archers hosting defending champions B Braun Sheffield Hatters.
Why this matters: The upcoming friendly between the London Lions and the Portland Trail Blazers marks a significant moment for British basketball, as it is the first time a British side will play an NBA team.