January 8, 2026 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) proudly announces the addition of the Louisiana Roughnecks to its roster of professional teams for the upcoming 2026 season, set to tip off May 2, 2026. This exciting expansion continues the league’s rapid growth and deepening influence throughout Louisiana’s thriving basketball community.
Louisiana’s Newest Powerhouse Joins the Fold
The Louisiana Roughnecks become the third professional development team from Louisiana to compete in the NBL-US, following the success of the 2025 NBL-US Champions, the Gueydan Flying Ducks, and the second-year franchise, the Lake Charles Aces.
Their inclusion signals the growing dominance of Louisiana talent in professional basketball and represents another major step forward for the NBL-US as it continues to spotlight emerging athletes and expand opportunities across regions rich in basketball culture.
The Roughnecks are set to compete in a 15-game regular season during the 2026 campaign, representing the spirit, resilience, and competitive drive of Louisiana basketball. The franchise will serve as a model for athletic and community development under the banner of professional excellence.
A League Like No Other
The NBL-US is a FIBA-sanctioned professional basketball league designed as both a college and professional development platform for unsigned athletes ages 16 and up. It stands as the only league in the United States that actively features:
- Unsigned high school athletes
- Unsigned post-graduate athletes
- College graduates and free agents seeking professional opportunities
This structure uniquely bridges the gap between amateur and professional basketball, allowing rising talent to compete under FIBA standards while gaining exposure to international clubs, scouts, and professional organizations.
Through strategic expansion and intentional inclusivity, the NBL-US continues to redefine what it means to be a professional athlete in today’s evolving basketball landscape—prioritizing opportunity, education, and development alongside elite competition.
Commissioner Lillian Countee’s Official Statement
“The Louisiana Roughnecks joining the NBL-US marks a powerful moment in the continued evolution of our league and the ongoing rise of Louisiana as a basketball hub,” said Lillian Countee, Commissioner of the NBL-US.
“With the success of the Gueydan Flying Ducks and Lake Charles Aces setting the tone, the addition of the Roughnecks continues our mission to build a sustainable, community-centered, and globally connected professional ecosystem for athletes across the country.”
“The Roughnecks bring not just talent but also authenticity—a commitment to hard work, local pride, and athletic excellence. Our league is about creating pathways for unsigned athletes to grow, to compete under FIBA standards, and to evolve both as players and as men of character. The Roughnecks embody that philosophy perfectly.”
“As we head into the 2026 season, I could not be more excited to see Louisiana continue to shine, both on and off the court. The Roughnecks are more than a new team—they’re a testament to the basketball legacy this state has always built on heart, community, and opportunity.”
2026 Season Overview
- Season Start Date: May 2, 2026
- Regular Season Length: 15 Games
- League Sanction: FIBA Certified
- Player Eligibility: Unsigned High School, Post-Graduate, Collegiate & Professional Free Agents
- League Purpose: College and Professional Exposure
The addition of the Louisiana Roughnecks further strengthens the NBL-US’s mission to cultivate a network of opportunity-driven franchises across the nation—empowering athletes through competition, mentorship, and professional readiness.
About the NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is an officially FIBA-sanctioned American professional development basketball league dedicated to developing athletes through elite competition, mentorship, and education. The NBL-US serves unsigned players from the high school, post-graduate, collegiate, and professional levels, offering them the opportunity to compete under global standards and pursue next-level opportunities worldwide.
With operations emphasizing community impact, accessibility, and professional structure, the NBL-US continues to emerge as the most comprehensive player development ecosystem in the United States.
For More Information
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or league information:
📧 info@usnbl.com
🌐 usnbl.com