Six-team conference to play a 40-game season; WNBL-US Idaho launches September 2026. Veteran basketball leader Andy Swenson named Conference Director.
BOISE, Idaho — September 27, 2025 — The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US), the nation’s premier pro-development basketball platform, today announced its expansion into Idaho with a new Boise-based conference debuting January 2026. The conference will feature six (6) teams competing in a 40-game regular season, bringing elite player development, professional standards, and family-friendly game nights to the Treasure Valley and surrounding communities. In parallel, the league confirmed that WNBL-US Idaho (women’s) will launch in September 2026.
To lead the buildout, the NBL-US has appointed Andy Swenson—a well-respected Boise basketball figure known for his leadership, program organization, and commitment to player advancement—as Conference Director. Player tryouts for the men’s conference will be staged throughout November and December 2025 at sites to be announced via usnbl.com.
Key Facts
- Market: Idaho (Boise-based)
- Structure: 6 teams | 40-game regular season beginning January 2026
- Women’s Launch: WNBL-US Idaho begins September 2026
- Leadership: Andy Swenson, Conference Director
- Tryouts: November–December 2025 (dates/venues posted on usnbl.com)
- Player Pathway: Pro-development model emphasizing college placement and domestic/international contracts
- Info/Contact: usnbl.com | aswenson@usnbl.com
Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
“Idaho is ready for a year-round, professional-standard player pathway—and we’re proud to plant that flag in Boise. The six-team, 40-game format mirrors the rhythm and rigor of professional basketball, while remaining laser-focused on development, exposure, and opportunity.
Our expectation for the Idaho Conference is clear: tight operations, credible scouting and placement support, and game-day experiences that keep families and fans coming back. The Treasure Valley has a fast-growing sports culture and a rich high-school and college basketball tradition; we intend to add to that fabric with consistent standards on and off the floor.
With Andy Swenson leading the conference, Idaho will quickly become a destination for unsigned talentseeking the next step—whether that’s college opportunities, domestic contracts, or international placements. We’re excited to welcome Idaho into the NBL-US family and can’t wait to tip off in January.”
Andy Swenson, Conference Director, NBL-US Idaho
“It’s an honor to launch the NBL-US Idaho Conference right here in Boise. Our goal is simple and ambitious: build the toughest conference in the league and raise the standard for development in the Mountain West.
I fully expect the NBL-US Champion to come from Idaho. We’ll emphasize player growth every day—film study, skills work, strength and conditioning, and professionalism—so our athletes are ready for college coaches, domestic scouts, and international directors.
For unsigned players, this is your stage. If you’re coachable, hungry, and ready to compete, we’ll help you get seen and connected to the right opportunities—college, domestic, or international. I’m thrilled to meet the talent at tryouts in November and December and to showcase what Idaho basketball is all about.”
Season Framework & Competitive Standards
- Regular Season: 40 games per team, delivering consistent in-season reps, film, and professional habits.
- Competitive Balance: Scheduling designed to create true local rivalries and maintain competitive parity.
- Professional Environment: Standardized practice cadence, scouting reports, film exchange, and health/safety protocols consistent with NBL-US league policies.
- Placement Pipeline: Centralized league evaluation reports shared across college programs and vetted domestic/international partners; targeted showcases and milestone events throughout the season.
Note: Final schedule, venues, and operational calendar will be posted at usnbl.com.
Tryouts & Player Pathway (Men’s: November–December 2025)
- Format: Position-specific stations, pro-style combine testing, controlled team concepts, and live evaluations.
- Evaluation: Transparent scoring metrics (skills, decision-making, motor, communication, coachability).
- Selection: Invitations to training camp and/or direct roster placement based on staff evaluations and positional needs.
- Outcomes: Entry into a 40-game season, year-round development standards, verified film, and active placement support for college, domestic, and international opportunities.
Players: Pre-register and review eligibility at usnbl.com.
Coaches/Staff/Officials: Expression-of-interest forms and role descriptions will be listed on usnbl.com.
Sponsors/Venues: Partnership inquiries welcome (game-night activations, youth programming, and broadcast inventory).
Community Impact & Fan Experience
- Local Identity: Rosters and programming that reflect Idaho’s communities—from Boise to the greater Treasure Valley.
- Youth & Education: Clinics, school visits, and mentorship emphasizing fundamentals, life skills, and academic alignment.
- Accessible Entertainment: Family-friendly price points, clean game presentation, and weekend tip-timesdesigned for maximum community participation.
- Content & Visibility: Consistent highlights, interviews, and storytelling to spotlight Idaho athletes and coaches.
WNBL-US Idaho (Women’s) — Launching September 2026
- Women’s Platform: The WNBL-US extends the same development-to-placement model to women athletes across Idaho.
- Structure & Standards: Competitive conference schedule with unified coaching standards, film, and recruitment visibility.
About NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is a pro-development basketball league founded to provide a credible pathway for athletes to advance—from unsigned prospects to college opportunities, domestic contracts, and international play. With standardized operations, competitive schedules, and direct scouting/placement support, the NBL-US is known as #TheExposureLeague and #TheIncentiveLeague for its commitment to turning development into opportunity.
Media & Inquiries
Conference Director (Idaho): Andy Swenson — aswenson@usnbl.com
League Information: usnbl.com
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