CBL COMPETITIONS STRUCTURE
Competitions Structure
How the League Is Organised
The Community Basketball League competitions structure provides the framework for how games, divisions and competitive standards are organised across the league. It is the responsibility of every coach and team manager to read, understand and communicate this structure to their players before participation. Unless otherwise stated, all CBL fixtures are played in accordance with the official Basketball England Rules of Basketball.
Central Venue League
The CBL operates as a Central Venue League (CVL) — all games are played at the same venue each week, using the same court, officials and equipment for every team.
Keeps Costs Low
One venue, one court and shared officials keep participation costs significantly lower than National League play.
Weekly Tournament Feel
Multiple divisions playing in the same venue creates a weekly tournament atmosphere across the whole league.
Simple for Everyone
One location every week simplifies logistics for teams, players and parents — no travel planning, no venue confusion.
Season Dates
The 2026/27 season runs from September through to a season-ending Finals Showcase in May.
Every division plays its full regular season fixture programme.
Playoffs run for two weeks immediately following the regular season.
Season-ending event with all division championship games and award presentations.
2026/27 Divisions
The CBL runs mixed, boys and girls divisions across age groups from U10 to U20, with Division 1 and Division 2 tiers where entries allow.
Mixed Divisions
- U10 Mixed
- U12 Mixed Div 1 & Div 2
Boys Divisions
- U14 Boys Div 1 & Div 2
- U16 Boys Div 1 & Div 2
- U18 Boys Div 1 & Div 2
- U20 Men’s
Girls Divisions
- U14 Girls
- U16 Girls
- U19 Girls
Players must be under the stated age on 31st August 2026. Example: a player who is 13 or younger on 31st August 2026 is eligible for U14.
Regular Season Format
Both tiers play a single round-robin, with final standings determining playoff seeding.
Single Round-Robin
Each team plays every other team in the division once during the regular season.
Single Round-Robin
Each team plays every other team in the division once during the regular season.
How Standings Are Decided
Final standings are based on win/loss record, then points difference if teams are tied.
Playoffs Format
The top eight teams in Division 1 and the top four in Division 2 qualify for the postseason, culminating at the Finals Showcase.
Division 1
Top 8 Teams Qualify
Division 2
Top 4 Teams Qualify
Governing framework: unless otherwise stated, the CBL follows the official Basketball England Rules of Basketball. Coaches and team managers must read and share the competitions structure and ensure their players understand it before participating.
Essential CBL Documents
Key policies and operational documents remain accessible here for teams, coaches, parents, players and officials.
Ready to Compete in 2026/27?
Register your team for the CBL, or sign up as an individual player looking to find a team. Questions first? Speak to the league team.
