The National Basketball League (NBL), also known as NBL–Pilipinas, is a men's regional professional basketball league in the Philippines.

History

On June 7, 2018, Celso "Soy" Mercado established the league and named National Basketball League Philippines to search undiscovered talents.

The league will feature an away-and-home format and will focus on giving homegrown players (aged 18–29 years old and a bonafide resident of the team's province, city or municipality) an opportunity to showcase their skills in the hope of making it to the professional and semi-professional leagues.

The league began its inaugural season on August 25, 2018, with 10 teams from Luzon. Games were played every Saturdays and Sundays. The Parañaque Aces became the league's first champions after defeating the Dasmariñas Ballers in the best-of-three championship round.

In 2019, the league expanded to 15 teams, while two of the founding teams folded (Marikina Shoemakers and Bulacan Makabayan). The Women's National Basketball League began their inaugural season on April 7, 2019.

The league's youth division, named NBL-Youth, began its season on May 20, 2019.

NBL Philippines Season 3 opened November 16, 2019, with 14 teams competing. (only Bulacan, Iriga, Rizal, Zambales, Imus & Cainta begged off from competing, while Marikina Best Shoemakers are returning to the league after a year absence)

On August 26, 2020. The Games and Amusements Board have accepted the NBL and WNBL's application to become a professional league. Both leagues will start its first season as a professional league in 2021.

After getting the green light to start from the Games and Amusements Board, the first professional season of the NBL began on July 18, 2021, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.

The Philippines NBL (National Basketball League) is an exciting and highly competitive basketball tournament held annually in the Philippines. It showcases the immense talent and passion for basketball that the country is known for.

The tournament features teams from various regions across the Philippines, bringing together both professional and amateur players. It serves as a platform for aspiring basketball players to showcase their skills and potentially get noticed by professional leagues or national teams.

The Philippines NBL is known for its fast-paced and intense gameplay, with teams battling it out on the court to claim the championship title. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where teams compete against each other in a series of matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Fans eagerly flock to the stadiums to witness the thrilling basketball action, creating an electric atmosphere with their cheers and support for their favorite teams. The tournament also garners a significant following through television broadcasts and online streaming platforms, allowing fans from all over the country to stay connected and engaged with the games.

The Philippines NBL not only promotes the sport of basketball but also serves as a platform for community development. It encourages youth participation and provides opportunities for aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams. The tournament also engages in various outreach programs, promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline among the youth.

Overall, the Philippines NBL is a highly anticipated basketball tournament that showcases the immense talent and love for the sport in the Philippines. It brings together players, fans, and communities, creating a vibrant and exciting basketball culture in the country.