Six-team conference to play a 40-game season; WNBL-US Utah launches September 2026. Prince Uche, Founder of Palace Sports Agency, named Conference Director.
ST. GEORGE, Utah — September 30, 2025 — The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) today announced its expansion into Utah with a new St. George–based conference debuting January 2026. The conference will feature six (6) teams competing in a 40-game regular season, bringing year-round player development, professional standards, and family-friendly game nights to Southern Utah. In parallel, the league confirmed that WNBL-US Utah (women’s) will launch in September 2026.
To lead the buildout, the NBL-US has appointed Prince Uche, Founder of Palace Sports Agency, as Conference Director. Player tryouts for the men’s conference will be held throughout November and December 2025 at sites to be announced on usnbl.com.
Key Facts
- Market: Utah (conference headquartered in St. George)
- Structure: 6 teams | 40-game regular season beginning January 2026
- Women’s Launch: WNBL-US Utah begins September 2026
- Leadership: Prince Uche, Conference Director (Founder, Palace Sports Agency)
- 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 | ouche@usnbl.com
Statement from the Commissioner
Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
“Utah is uniquely positioned for a sustainable, community-driven pro-development model, and St. George gives us the perfect launchpad. Our six-team, 40-game format mirrors the rhythm and rigor of professional basketball while staying laser-focused on development, exposure, and opportunity.
My expectations for the Utah Conference are clear: disciplined operations, high-integrity coaching, credible scouting and placement, and game-day experiences that families will prioritize every weekend. We will hold programs to consistent standards—practice cadence, film study, health and safety, and accountability on and off the court—so players earn real outcomes.
With Prince Uche leading this conference, Utah will quickly become a destination for unsigned talent seeking college opportunities,domestic contracts, and international placements. I fully expect Utah to be among our toughest conferences and a consistent source of postseason contenders.”
Statement from the Conference Director
Prince Uche, Conference Director, NBL-US Utah | Founder, Palace Sports Agency
“It’s an honor to launch the NBL-US Utah Conference in St. George, a community that understands growth, excellence, and the power of sport. I’m excited because this platform delivers exactly what players need: structure, teaching, film, and direct visibility to decision-makers at the next level.
My expectation is bold—the NBL-US Champion will come from Utah. We will coach hard, compete harder, and build pros on and off the floor. Our daily emphasis is clear: skills development, film and scouting IQ, strength and conditioning, professional habits, and character.
For unsigned players, the pathway is real: we’ll work to open doors to college programs, domestic leagues, and international contracts. If you’re coachable, hungry, and ready to be held to a standard, Utah is your stage. I can’t wait to see the talent at tryouts this November and December.”
Season Framework & Competitive Standards
- Regular Season: 40 games per team (January 2026–March 2027), delivering consistent in-season repetitions, verified film, and professional game rhythm.
- Competitive Balance: Scheduling designed for true regional rivalries and parity across all six teams.
- Professional Environment: Standardized practice cadence; scouting reports and film exchange; medical, safety, and conduct protocols aligned with NBL-US policy.
- Placement Pipeline: Centralized league evaluation packets sent to college staffs and vetted domestic/international partners; mid-season and late-season showcases to spotlight top prospects.
Final schedule, venues, and operational calendar will be posted at usnbl.com.
Tryouts & Player Pathway (Men’s: November–December 2025)
- Format: Position-specific stations, measurable combine testing, team concepts, and live evaluations.
- Evaluation: Transparent scoring matrix (skill, decision-making, motor, communication, coachability, and role fit).
- Selection: Invitations to training camp and/or direct roster placements based on staff evaluations and positional needs.
- Outcomes: Entry into a 40-game season, professional coaching and 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, broadcast/digital inventory).
Community Impact & Fan Experience
- Local Identity: Rosters and programming that reflect Southern Utah’s communities—with a focus on accessibility, sportsmanship, and role-modeling.
- Youth & Education: Clinics, school visits, and mentorship emphasizing fundamentals, life skills, and academic alignment.
- Accessible Entertainment: Family-friendly pricing, weekend tip times, and clean game presentation designed to make NBL-US nights a staple in the community calendar.
- Content & Visibility: Consistent highlights, interviews, and storytelling to showcase Utah athletes and coaches across league channels.
WNBL-US Utah — Launching September 2026
- Women’s Platform: The WNBL-US extends the same development-to-placement model to women athletes across Utah.
- Standards & Support: Unified coaching standards, verified film, and recruitment visibility for college and pro pathways.
About NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is a pro-development basketball league built to turn development into opportunity—from unsigned prospects to college placements, domestic contracts, and international play. With standardized operations, competitive schedules, and direct scouting/placement support, the NBL-US is known as #TheExposureLeague and #TheIncentiveLeague.
Media & Inquiries
Conference Director (Utah): Prince Uche — ouche@usnbl.com
League Information: usnbl.com
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