ROAD TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE: Li-Ning Basket Ball Tournament Tips Off as 12 Teams Vie for Final Four Spots

By Sachit Subba • Basketball • Dec 21, 2025 15:36 PM • 36 views

Nepali domestic basketball is heading into an important week. The Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA) is preparing to host the Li-Ning Basketball Tournament, which will decide who qualifies for the Himalayan Java National Basketball League.

The six-day tournament starts this Monday, December 22 (Poush 7), at the Dunkmandu court in Boudha. It will determine which clubs get to compete at the national level.

The Stakes

This tournament is more than just a showcase. Twelve teams will compete, but only four will earn a place in the National Basketball League.

Tournament coordinator Norbu Gurung said the four semi-finalists from this qualifier will join four teams that have already qualified for the main league. The teams already in the National League are Kirtipur Club, Golden Gate College, Times College, and Hounds Academy.

After the qualifiers, the National League will have eight teams competing for the championship. The Draw

At a press briefing on Sunday, the association announced the match schedule, dividing the 12 clubs into four groups. The draw has created some interesting matchups for the first round-robin stage.

Group A: ISA, Tarahara, and Nepal Army.

Group B: Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK), Royal, and Gandaki.

Group C: Chanakya, Solo Basketball, and Boudha Basketball Club.

Group D: Play Box, Boudha Pipal Bot Club, and Shankar Dev College.

Tournament Format

The competition will follow a league-cum-knockoThe tournament will use a league and knockout format. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals.o. The four teams that successfully navigate the quarterfinals and reach the semi-finals will automatically secure their spots in the prestigious National Basketball League.