FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 13, 2026
League: National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US)
Website: usnbl.com
Email: info@usnbl.com
Acadiana, Louisiana — The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) proudly announces the official addition of the Acadiana Soul as the league’s newest franchise for the 2026 NBL-US Season, with competition set to begin on May 2, 2026.
The Acadiana Soul enter the league following the successful blueprint established by the Gueydan Flying Ducks, the reigning 2025 NBL-US Champions, and the continued development of the Lake Charles Aces, who are preparing to compete in their second season.
Expanding the NBL-US Presence in Louisiana
The addition of the Acadiana Soul further strengthens the NBL-US footprint across Louisiana, reinforcing the league’s commitment to investing in regional talent, community engagement, and long-term player development. Representing the culturally rich Acadiana region, the Soul will serve as a premier basketball platform for athletes throughout Southwest and South-Central Louisiana.
This expansion continues the league’s strategic growth throughout the Gulf Coast while creating new opportunities for local athletes to compete under FIBA-sanctioned standards without leaving their home region.
About the National Basketball League–United States
The NBL-US is a FIBA-sanctioned professional and college development basketball league built to provide structured pathways for athletes seeking advancement at the collegiate, domestic professional, and international levels.
What Sets the NBL-US Apart
- Officially FIBA Sanctioned
- College & Professional Development League
- Open to unsigned athletes ages 16 and up
- The only league in the United States that includes:
- Unsigned high school athletes
- Unsigned post-graduate athletes
- College graduates pursuing professional careers
Through verified statistics, game film, and international partnerships, the NBL-US serves as a trusted exposure platform for athletes pursuing the next level of competition.
2026 Season Overview
- Season Start Date: May 2, 2026
- Regular Season: 15 games
- League Status: FIBA-sanctioned competition
- Athlete Focus: Exposure, development, and advancement
Commissioner’s Statement
Lillian Countee, Commissioner of the National Basketball League–United States, shared her enthusiasm regarding the league’s newest franchise:
“We are extremely proud to welcome the Acadiana Soul to the NBL-US family. The Acadiana region is rich in culture, pride, and athletic talent, and the Soul embody the spirit of opportunity and resilience that our league represents.”
“This organization will play a vital role in serving unsigned athletes throughout Acadiana and the surrounding areas—athletes who are still chasing college scholarships, professional contracts, and international opportunities. The Soul give these players a legitimate, structured platform to continue their development while staying connected to their community.”
“Following the championship success of the Gueydan Flying Ducks and the continued growth of the Lake Charles Aces, we believe the Acadiana Soul are positioned to become a powerful force within our league and a meaningful asset to Louisiana basketball.”
David Hutchinson Jr., General Manager and Head Coach of the Acadiana Soul, shared his vision and expectations as the franchise officially joins the NBL-US:
“Joining the NBL-US is a major step forward for the Acadiana Soul and for basketball in this region. This league represents real opportunity—opportunity for athletes who may have been overlooked, under-recruited, or still searching for the right platform to showcase their talent.”
“My vision for the Soul is to build a disciplined, professional, and competitive program that reflects the pride, toughness, and culture of Acadiana. We are here to develop players the right way—on the court, in the film room, and in life—while preparing them for college, professional, and international opportunities.”
“The NBL-US provides the structure, exposure, and credibility that today’s unsigned athletes need. Our expectations are high. We plan to compete immediately, represent our community with integrity, and establish the Acadiana Soul as a respected and consistent presence within the league.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the addition of the Acadiana Soul, the NBL-US continues to expand its mission of providing real exposure, real competition, and real opportunity for unsigned athletes nationwide.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and impactful in league history.
For More Information
🌐 Website: usnbl.com
📧 Email: info@usnbl.com