CBL EXPANSION PLANS FOR 2023/24 SEASON
The back end of another successful CBL campaign saw expansion of the league grow to cover 11 different divisions, servicing 93 teams and 1,132 players. As London's leading grassroots basketball league gears up to launch into the new 2023/24 season, exciting changes are coming to facilitate increased demand from new players all across the city.
More Games
Fresh for 2023/24, all teams will have the option to increase the number of minimum games played, moving up from 9 to an optional 15 games per team minimum offer. In addition, the top 8 teams in each division can play an additional 3 games in the post-season playoffs. All CBL Cup teams also get an additional 2 games, if they progress through pool play to the Cup final.
The move comes in response to multiple requests from teams who enjoy the CBL format but want more playing opportunities for their players. It also addresses the surge in demand from new players who have signed up to play in the CBL, looking for teams to test their skills in organised competitions.
The move comes in a response to multiple requests from teams who enjoy the CBL format but want more playing opportunities for their players, in addition to the surge in demand from new players who have signed up to play in the CBL, looking for teams to to test their skills in organised competitions.
Division Changes
CBL Division 2 will now officially become the D-League, welcoming all non-National League players. Another key change in format for the new season, also in response to requests from teams across the league, Division 2 teams will now move down from 2 National League eligible players, to zero. The D-League CBL is geared towards participation and development. It's a place where new and early stage players can experience organised game play without being overmatched against more experienced competitive players.
For the 2023/24 season, all National League players must play on teams within Division 1 only.
Age Group Updates
There will also be an age group adjustment for the new season, with the CBL realigning with Basketball England’s age classifications, instead of the former ruling of ‘age and under from the 1st September’.
The new age classification across all leagues (both Division 1 and 2) will be ‘under the age by August 31st’. For clarity for new and existing teams, the age groups for the new season:
- U10 (Under 10) – 9 years old by Aug 31st
- U12 (Under 12) – 11 years old by Aug 31st
- U14 (Under 14) – 13 years old by Aug 31st
- U16 (Under 16) – 15 years old by Aug 31st
- U18 (Under 18) – 17 years old by Aug 31st
- U20 (Under 20) – 19 years old by Aug 31st
In line with the new ruling, the league will further expand to the U20 category to provide a playing platform for players ‘in between’ college and University and in need of competitive games.
Game of the Week Broadcasts
Division 1 Leagues will feature weekly ‘Game of the Week’ broadcasts for the 2023/24 season. New changes are not only taking place on the court, but also with the media covering the court.
Fresh for 2023/24, a new media deal will see the CBL feature a ‘Game of the Week’ within each Division 1 category, broadcast live on YouTube and additional social media platforms. The broadcasts will feature live game commentary and featured guests providing insights into the games, information on players, clubs and coaches. This will help spread the CBL mantra ‘Where Tomorrow’s Stars Play Today’ to more people across a bigger network.
Don't Miss Out on 2023/24 CBL Season
Places for the new season are limited by default and now almost all full. Once we reach capacity across all leagues, we can only put you on the waiting list for next year. Be smart and sign up today while places remain to be part of something special your whole club will enjoy!
Sign your team up for the 2023/24 CBL season today by visiting: CBL TEAM APPLICATION
The Community Basketball League (CBL) is the most coveted grassroots basketball competition in London with over 2,000 registered players representing North, East, West, and South London. Our league provides organised competitions and playing opportunities for a wide range of abilities from early-stage beginners through to the future stars of our game! We strive to drive excitement and character-building playing experiences for young people across our league, while promoting the values of positive sports competition so our players develop lifelong healthy habits and an appreciation and love of the game.
The London School of Basketball (LSB) is London's biggest and most exciting basketball development organisation, who focus on teaching the game from the grassroots up. The LSB specialise in basketball coaching for players of all abilities through a quality-assured, expansive network of qualified coaches and clubs throughout the capital. We also facilitate educational programs and competitions to develop new and improved coaches, stronger clubs and remain committed to creating more opportunities for young Londoners to LEARN, PLAY, DEVELOP & PROGRESS within the game, all across the city.
