CBL COMPETITIONS STRUCTURE
UPDATED FOR THE 2026/27 SEASON
The competitions structure governs the Community Basketball League (CBL) for the 2026/27 season and sets out how games in each division will be competitively organised.
Unless otherwise stated, the CBL follows the official Basketball England Rules of Basketball as the governing framework for play.
All coaches and team managers are required to read and share the competiton structures and ensure their players understand them before participating.
The competitions structure governs the Community Basketball League (CBL) for the 2026/27 season and sets out how games in each division will be competitively organised.
Unless otherwise stated, the CBL follows the official Basketball England Rules of Basketball as the governing framework for play.
All coaches and team managers are required to read and share the competiton structures and ensure their players understand them before participating.
Central Venue League Format
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 all teams. This:
Keeps costs low compared to National League play
Creates a weekly tournament atmosphere with multiple divisions playing in the same venue
Simplifies logistics for teams, players, and parents
Season Dates
Regular Season: October 2026 – April 2027
Playoffs: 2 weeks immediately following the regular season
Finals Showcase: May 2027 — season-ending event with all division championship games and award presentations
Divisions
Mixed Divisions (Boys & Girls)
U10 Mixed
U12 Mixed – Division 1 & Division 2
Boys Divisions
U14 Boys – Division 1 & Division 2
U16 Boys – Division 1 & Division 2
U18 Boys – Division 1 & Division 2
U20 Men’s
Girls Divisions
U14 Girls
U16 Girls
U19 Girls
Age Eligibility: 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
Division 1: Each team plays every other team once.
Division 2: Each team plays every other team once.
Seeding: Final standings are based on win/loss record, then points difference if tied.
Playoffs Format
Division 1 (Top 8 Teams)
Quarter Finals:
1 vs 8
2 vs 7
3 vs 6
4 vs 5
Semi Finals:
Winner (1 vs 8) vs Winner (4 vs 5)
Winner (2 vs 7) vs Winner (3 vs 6)
Final:
Winner of Semi 1 vs Winner of Semi 2
Division 2 (Top 4 Teams)
Semi Finals:
1 vs 4
2 vs 3
Final:
Winner of Semi 1 vs Winner of Semi 2
