Jr. NBA & Jr. WNBA League Briefing Pack 2026-27

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.? Built around five professional sports leagues:? the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.? NBA rosters at the start of the 2025-26 season featured a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.? The NBA’s digital assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.? The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.? The NBA’s Tap to Watch provides seamless access to local, national and global live game telecasts via the NBA App, NBA.com, third-party digital platforms and NBA partner platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social impact platform celebrating its 20th year, drives change on issues facing fans and communities in the areas of health and wellness, civic engagement, social justice and inclusion, and sustainability.

About Basketball England

Basketball England is the national governing body of the sport in England. We promote, administer and govern basketball for all levels for participants of every age and ability while offering specialist guidance on improving standards of the game, facilitating education and training opportunities and delivering a competitive outlet through leagues and tournaments and progression to our national teams. 

Jr. NBA/WNBA Basketball England League

The Jr. NBA/WNBA Basketball England League is an exciting partnership between the National Basketball League (NBA) and Basketball England, The Jr. NBA League was created in 2014 for 11-13-year-old (Year 7 and Year 8) boys and girls to play basketball and represent one of the 30 NBA teams. The league is organised and operated by Basketball England in partnership with the NBA.  Alongside this, Basketball England also delivers the Jr. WNBA, launched in 2024, it is a girls-only schools competition for the same age group, following the same concept but with teams representing WNBA franchises.

Each school plays regular-season games against the schools in its division.  At the end of the regular Jr. NBA season, the top eight schools in each conference proceed to the playoffs for two knockout rounds, with the final four schools in each league playing in the Jr. NBA Finals to be crowned league Champions and take home Championship Rings. The format is similar in the girls competition, with the top 2 teams Eastern Conference and top 2 teams from the Western conference progressing to the Jr. WNBA finals.

The objective is to leverage the excitement of the NBA, WNBA and Basketball England brands, to inspire and engage more young people to participate in basketball by having a fun, positive first experience with the game. Leagues will also promote common NBA and Basketball England, values as well as encouraging physical activity and healthy living.

How it works

• Schools submit their Expression of interest for each league they wish to take part in
• Basketball England carefully allocates schools to league spaces depending on geography
• The respective drafts are made to link a school to a WNBA or NBA team
• Schools pay their entry fee online, or and invoice can be arranged
• Kits and a ball are posted once schools have sent their payment and completed all Player Waivers
• Basketball England will provide all league materials including Contact Sheets, rules, app access to record scores and will arrange the Finals during the summer term
• Fixtures begin in the Autum term, typically October, with schools using the Contact Sheet to arrange fixtures with other schools in their division/conference.
• As the competition progresses, coaches input their scores on the Jr. NBA/WNBA app where league tables will reveal schools playoff chances
• Once the regular season is complete, schools will be notified of their final standings with those with the strongest records progressing to the next chapter in the competition.
• The highest rated final 4 schools are invited to a showpiece finals event in their area to play a conference final, final or placing game in the quest of being crowned league Champions, securing the all important winners rings.

Jr. NBA Co-Ed Regular Season Format

• 30 NBA branded school teams split into Eastern and Western Conferences
• 6 divisions in total - 3Eastern Conference divisions (Atlantic, Central, Southeast) and 3 Western Conference divisions (North West, Pacific and Southwest)
• 5teams per division, teams will play a minimum of eight (8) games (schools to host at least one 1 round)
• Team’s position in the regular season league table will be determined by the number of wins and losses each team incurs 
• Schools that host the matches will be responsible for hiring and paying two qualified referees and two table officials
• Size 6balls will be used for all Jr. NBA Basketball England League matches. 
• Players will be provided with Jr. NBA Basketball England League branded NBA kit. These should be worn for all Jr. NBA games
• Schools coaches/P.E teachers should contact each other and match officials prior to the fixture to organise the game, time and the playing colours, so there are no clashes.  It is up to the home team if there is a clash of colours to change their kit or provide bibs for the match
• The home team is responsible for confirming the game prior to the match to the away Team(s) and match officials
• Home teams are responsible for providing, no later than the following day,the scores via the Jr. NBA app.
• Each team will be awarded 2 points at the start of the game for every female player who takes the field. (Teams can earn a maximum of 6 female fair-play points per game).
• Up to twelve players are allowed on the score sheet along with the coach and assistant coach, if available. Teams should consist of 10 players(12 players max)
• A visible scoreboard and clock showing the time for the game in minutes shall be provided by the home team at every match. These facilities shall be clearly visible to both the teams’ benches
• Schools must provide their own Head Coach and if possible an assistant coach, this can be the schools P.E teacher or a coach previously contracted by the school.
• If a coach is disqualified during the game they should be replaced by an assistant coach. The team has to be supervised by an adult or the match will be forfeited. It is recommended that in addition to a coach and assistant coach (if available) that a team manager is also available on the bench 
• Any players ejected from the game will need to leave the courtside area and will not be allowed to continue in the game. However, they should not be ejected from the sports hall
• Match officials and school teams required to be at the match thirty (30) minutes prior to the game
• Match officials are required to provide their own uniforms, whistles etc.
• In the event a game needs to be cancelled, the school should notify each of the opponents as soon as possible, suggesting an alternative date and hosting arrangements. If no alternative can be agreed, the team who did not cancel the game can claim a “walkover”.

Divisions and Playoffs

Jr. NBA Regular Season – Conferences & Divisions

Playoff Bracket – Jr. NBA

Conference finals and finals take place at the centrally hosted Jr. NBA Finals. Schools will only proceed to the playoffs if they have provided a minimum of 10 waivers.

Jr. WNBA – Regular Season Format

The Jr. WNBA Basketball England League follows the same rules and regulations outlined for the Jr. NBA competition, with the following key differences:

• Teams are split into two conferences only:
  • Eastern Conference (7 teams)
  • Western Conference (8 teams)
• There are no divisions within conferences; teams compete within their allocated conference
• Fixtures are structured to reflect the different conference sizes, with byes scheduled where required
• Eastern and Western Conference Division Finals are played together at the same venue as part of the Regional Final Four event

All other competition rules, match regulations, and operational requirements remain the same as the Jr. NBA Basketball England League unless otherwise stated.

Divisions and Playoffs

Jr. WNBA Regular Season – Conferences

Playoff Bracket – Jr. WNBA

Conference finals and finals take place at the centrally hosted Jr. WNBA Finals. Schools will only proceed to the playoffs if they have provided a minimum of 10 waivers.

Jr. NBA & Jr. WNBA Basketball England Match Rules

Ball and Court

• Games should be played with the size 6 Jr.NBA & Jr. WNBA Wilson basketball provided by Basketball England
• We understand that not all schools will have access to a regulation basketball court. Schools sports halls with a suitable basket at each end are permitted.

Players and Points

• Teams will have ten (10) minutes to warm up prior to the game
• Teams must field a minimum of 10 players, and a maximum of 12, and will receive 2 points at the start of the game for complying with this ruleTeams receive 2 points at the start of each game for every female player on the court, up to a maximum of 6 points (applies to Co-Ed leagues only)
• A tip- off will start the match. From then on a possession arrow will be used to determine which team starts the quarter and gains possession for a jump ball
• All players must get equal amount of playing time in the first 3 quarters. In the final quarter coaches decide on who and how much players will play
• No zone defence can be played, strictly player to player (1-1) defence
• Full court press defence cannot be used until 4th quarter

Timings, The Clock and Subs

• 4 8minute quarters (running clock)
• To support fair play, in the first 3 quarters, subs should be made half way through the quarter (4 minutes)
• In the 4^th quarter,substitutions can be made at dead ball situation of the game
• Clock will stop in the last 2 minutes of the fourth 4th quarter only
• Teams will get 5 minutes half time break
• Teams will get 1 minute break at the end of the first (1st) and third (3rd) quarters
• Each team is allowed two 2 60 second time-outs per half
• In the result of a tie, an overtime period of 4 minutes will be played (again running clock being used and last 2 minutes clock will stop). Any other overtime period thereafter will be sudden death (first basket wins)

Fouls

• Players will be fouled out on their 5thpersonal foul
• Teams are in the penalty after their fifth (5th) team foul (per quarter)
• Teams that turn up more than 5 minutes after the scheduled tip-off time and are not ready to play or fail to show up will forfeit the game
• In the event of a forfeited game, the opposing team can claim a walkover via the app

Tie Break - In the event of a tie in league points at the end of the season, this shall be resolved as followed:

• In the event that the total points scored and conceded are the same in the games between the two teams, the classification will be determined by goal difference taking into account the results of all the games played in the league by both teams
• If more than two teams are equal in the placing, a second classification will be established taking into account only the results of the games between the teams that are tied
• In the event that there are still teams tied after the second classification, then goal difference will be used to determine the placing, taking into account only the results of the games between the teams still tied
• If there are still teams tied, the placing will be determined using goal difference from the results of all their games played in the league
• If at any stage using the above criteria, a multiple tie is reduced to a tie involving only two teams, the procedure in (i) and (ii) will be applied
• Goal difference will always be calculated by subtracting points against/ from points for/scored

Equal Play Guidance

Jr. NBA/WNBA is a league aimed at providing a positive playing experience for junior players. This is a competition primarily focused on participation and enjoyment. We would appreciate you taking the time to familiarise yourself with how to ensure that Equal Play is encouraged within your school.

‘All Must Play’ rules : 

The All Must Play rule is to create a more competitive yet inclusive playing environment and is to encourage all players to participate during Jr. NBA/WNBA fixtures. 

• Please be aware teams must field a minimum of 10 players and will receive 2 points at the start of the game for complying with this rule. 
• Games will consist of 4 quarters of 8 minutes (running clock), with the first, second and third quarters split into sub periods of 4 Minutes.?
• For teams of 10 players, the coach can choose how they wish to rotate their players, all players must play in one four-minute period of the first three quarters. 
• No player may play more than 75% of possible playing time (e.g. 27 mins maximum of a 36-minute game)  
• For teams of 11 and 12, the coach can choose when they rotate the 11^thand 12^th player at their own discretion, however No player may play more than 75% of possible playing time (e.g. 27 mins maximum of a 36-minute game) 
• For teams of nine or less, a rotational schedule will be in place to rotate players in quarters one, two and three.  
• Half court “man to man” defence is permitted throughout the games, full court defence can only be played within the final quarter. 
• Zone defence and combination defences are not permitted including zone presses.??
• When a game reaches a 15-point deficit the team that are in the lead by this amount, must not play full court man to man defence, it must play half-court defence only.?Further discretion to promote enjoyment should be exercised by leading teams where possible.

Player Welfare: 

• If a player has a pre-existing medical condition which may affect their ability to participate in accordance with the game rules, with the child and parent’s permission, officials should be informed at the pre-game meeting, but officials don’t need to know what the condition is. Reasonable adjustments can be made to enable the player to participate.?
• Both Coaches and Officials have a duty of care to ensure the safety of players. If a coach has any health or wellbeing concerns about a player during the game, they should inform an official. If a player is taken off the court, this does not necessarily mean that they cannot play for the duration of the game. Again, reasonable adjustments can be made.?
• When it comes to welfare and injuries, the head coach has ultimate responsibility in deciding what is best for the player at that specific moment. A player leaving the game can recover and re-enter the game later.?

Player Rotation: In youth basketball, it is always good to follow a substitution pattern that guarantees fair playing time for each player.  

STEP 1:  Number System: It is helpful to rank each player: above average, average, and below average. A coach can assign a number system for their team 1 – 11 and simply have the players sit on the bench by number. Players will rotate in the game. A coach should try to balance height and skill to have balance with each unit.  

The Jr. NBA/WNBA Finals will implement the 4-minute substitution rule during the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd quarter. The following is based on four 8-minute quarters. This makes substitutions really simple; please see below some examples: 

Variation #1 - Mix the number up: Create a new list per game. A coach can rotate the players in 1 – 7 so no one player is #1. Similarly rotate 8 – 11 so that no player is last all the time. 

Variation #2 - Pick up where you left off: If a coach is a believer in equal playing time, simply start the next game with the next rotation. This will be the fairest. And it will allow all players to develop. This is our recommended variation.? 

Even Units plus one (4-4-3): Divide the top 8 players into two even groups based on height and position. Try to create as much balance as possible. With the bottom 3 players, have them rotate the 5th spot on the floor. A coach can switch the 3 rotating players each game to guarantee even playing time for all players if this fit their philosophy. 

League Code of Conduct

Organisation, Preparation and Managing Expectations

• Efficiency: Every minute of court time is valuable – don’t waste it!
• Punctuality: “If you are early, you are on time… if you are on time, you are late!”
• Accidents will happen… stay calm and be prepared
• Set expectations: explain ground rules early and engage parents/caregivers

Values of the Game

Leadership

• Lead by example: As a coach, you are the leader. Your attitude, effort, and actions will dictate those of the participants and everyone involved. Since the members will be following your lead, it is important to set a proper example for the entire league. Lead by example and preach the skills and attitude that you project yourself.
• Express a confident demeanour and project your voice: Your players/students are looking up to you. It is important that you are confident. Also, it is very important that your players/students understand the values of this league. The clearer and more concise the values, the easier it is for the members to understand and acknowledge them.
• When no one is watching: The league should keep the members involved through times when they are not taking part in a match – update them with news about performances of other teams, news from Basketball England, the world of basketball and the NBA/WNBA league and teams they represent.

 Sportsmanship and Fairness

• Compete! But be a good sport: Competition is a part of the game of basketball and is healthy. However, it should never outweigh the importance of demonstrating character both on and off the court. Practice being good winners AND good losers.
• Fairness: Treat everyone fairly. Remember this does not always mean treating everyone equally. Sometimes you will need to adapt your coaching style to the individual personalities of your players/students, as some players will respond differently.
• Continually reinforce the “values of the game”: Basketball as a sport has the power to change. Let the sport do the talking – players will see how the values on the court translate off the court

Teamwork

• Stress the importance of working together: Basketball is a team. The League, players, coaches, referees, fans and everyone that is involved in the game of basketball is a part of a team.
• Be accountable and hold others accountable: When you work as a team, you are one part of a machine. Each person needs to be accountable for what they are doing or the machine will break down. Highlight that accountability and working together is what keeps the engine working.
• Being part of a team means showing commitment and taking responsibility: When you commit, it is written in stone. Have your players keep their word, both on and off the court. Demand excellence in everything. And have them take responsibility for their actions, knowing their actions affect the team as a whole.

Positive Attitude

• It is a game so keep it fun: Everyone should have fun when playing basketball. The league will be deemed a success only if everyone enjoys it
• The three Es – Encouragement, Enthusiasm and Energy – are essential: Use encouragement and positive reinforcement as your primary method of motivating everyone. Try to make a conscious effort to stay positive. Enthusiasm is contagious and must come from everyone, especially the coach/teacher. And if you are energetic and excited, then your players will reflect that approaching the game with proper attitude and effort. Focus on effort and execution rather than outcomes
• Be patient! Learning the game, coaching takes time: No one is an expert and neither are you. Be patient with yourself, with your players, coaches and referees

Respect

• Respect the game, respect the rules and respect others: League must incorporate the concept of respect from the top down. Players need to realize that basketball is a team sports, they must follow the rules on and off the court, and they should show character when dealing with others
• Be an ambassador of the game: The League must demonstrate all the values that NBA/WNBA stands for. The values should be transferred to the players through the game of basketball

Knowledge of the Game and Fitness

• Be a student of the game: Coaches need to know everything about the game, including rules, strategies, and history. The game is always evolving, so the best coaches continue to study the game. Watch games, read about the game, talk to other coaches, and continue to grow your knowledge about the game. Developing your knowledge of the game will help guide your decisions as a coach
• Share your knowledge: By building a solid foundation and sharing your knowledge with others, you will gain respect from players, parents and fellow coaches

Fun and Positivity

• Keep it fun: Basketball is much easier to teach when the players are having fun. Keep your players engaged using games and competitions. Make sure to balance fun with fundamentals
• Energy and enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is contagious and must come from the coach. If you are energetic and are excited about each part of practice (particularly the less “glamorous” elements of the game, such as defence, or hustling for a loose ball), then your players will reflect that enthusiasm and approach the game with proper attitude and effort. Focus on effort and execution rather than outcomes. Encourage your players for giving maximum effort, even if the play doesn’t completely go your way
• Encouragement and positive reinforcement: Use encouragement and positive reinforcement as your primary method of motivating your players. Motivating players by focusing solely on mistakes or criticizing them will empty their “emotional tanks,” meaning that they will not respond to teaching after a certain point, or they will lose confidence and give up. Instead, try to make a conscious effort to stay positive and fill your players’ “emotional tanks” by complimenting them when they do something well or show improvement. Encourage your players to fill their teammates’ emotional tanks, too

Discipline and Values

• Set expectations and engage parents: Make sure to clearly set ground rules and explain expectations from the beginning. If you can, try to conduct parent education meetings because it is essential to develop some sort of good relationship with players’ parent. These meetings can give you the coach the opportunity to explain and emphasise the program mission/goals, rules and regulations and parental expectations. If you cannot conduct meetings, write a letter explaining these elements and make sure each player gives the letter to their parents. Invite the parents to attend practices and be involved as much as possible in order to get their support for the program and see the good things you are doing both on and off the court
• Fairness: Treat all your players fairly. Remember, however, that this does not always mean treating every player equally. Sometimes you will need to adapt your coaching style to the individual personalities of your players, as some players will respond differently to different coaching methods
• Values: Reinforce key values that will translate beyond basketball and into players’ lives: positive attitude, respect, sportsmanship, teamwork/unselfishness, commitment, accountability, work ethic, perseverance, etc. These values all fall under the broad umbrella of citizenship, and will have a positive impact both on and off the court

Health and Fitness

• Emphasise good and healthy lifestyles: Everyone in the league should strive to be physically fit and healthy. Personal health and wellbeing is the fundamentals of positive attitude and happiness
• Being healthy means smart decisions on and off the court: Physical health is important but both emotional and social health is significant as well. The values of the game can serve as pillars for making smarter decisions off the court

Organisation, Preparation and Discipline

• What the league needs: The league needs enthusiastic staff, players, dedicated coaches, fair referees and supportive fans
• Efficiency: Every minute on the court is valuable; as a result, everyone (players, coaches, referees, fans and the league organizers) has to put the best effort in making the league as enjoyable and hassle free as possible. With player cooperation, coach’s team management, referee fairness and organizers dedication
• Punctuality: “If you are early, you are on time…if you are on time, you are late!” Punctuality is extremely important. Be EARLY to every team practice, game, or meeting. This demonstrates your commitment to the team, and sets a good example of responsibility for young players
• Accidents will Happen… Stay Calm and Be Prepared: Injuries will happen (especially with young players), referees make mistakes, coaching errors happen during the games - it is inevitable. Everyone should understand that mistakes happen and be considerate and calm until those situations are resolved
• Set expectations and engage parents and caregivers: Make sure to clearly set ground rules and explain expectations from the beginning. If you can, try to conduct parent education meetings because it is essential to develop a good relationship with players’ parent or caregiver. These meetings can give the coach the opportunity to explain and emphasise the program mission/goals, rules and regulations and parental expectations. If you cannot conduct meetings, write a letter explaining these elements and make sure each player gives the letter to their parents. Invite the parents or caregivers to be involved as much as possible in order to get their support for the program and see the good things you are doing both on and off the court

Jr. NBA Instructional Curriculum

The Jr. NBA/WNBA Instructional Curriculum is a free coaching resource designed to support schools and youth basketball programmes. It includes structured practice plans across multiple skill levels, along with instructional videos focused on fundamental skills, teamwork and player development. The resource is suitable for teachers and coaches working with players of varying experience levels.

Access the curriculum guide here: Jr. NBA Instructional Curriculum

Next Steps

Use the Basketball England Club Finder to signpost your students to local community basketball. We can also help connect you with local organisations, please reach out if you’d like us to help organise an introduction or taster session.

Courses - We have learning and development opportunities at a range of levels. Please get in touch to discuss opportunities for you and your students.

Dynamic Schools - The Dynamik National Schools Competition is a league with age groups from Under-14 to Under-19 for both girls and boys across England.

It gives every age group in secondary school the chance to compete outside of their normal PE classes and local competitions.