Six-team conference to play a 40-game season; WNBL-US Tri-State launches September 2026. Carl “CJ” Story, respected Macon businessman, named Conference Director.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — October 2, 2025 — The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) today announced its latest expansion with the launch of the Tri-State Conference, covering Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. The new conference will feature six (6) teams competing in a 40-game season beginning in January 2026, providing a professional development platform for players across the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States.
The league also confirmed that WNBL-US Tri-State will officially launch in September 2026, giving women’s basketball athletes in the region a structured pathway to college, domestic, and international opportunities.
Leading the new conference will be Carl “CJ” Story, a respected businessman and community leader from Macon, Georgia, named as Conference Director. Story brings a proven record of leadership, community engagement, and passion for developing athletes on and off the court.
Tryouts for the men’s conference will be held in November and December 2025, with dates and locations across the region to be announced on usnbl.com.
Key Facts
- Conference Market: Florida, Georgia, Alabama (HQ in Pensacola, FL)
- Structure: 6 teams | 40-game season | January 2026–April 2027
- Women’s Launch: WNBL-US Tri-State, September 2026
- Conference Director: Carl “CJ” Story, businessman and community leader (Macon, GA)
- Tryouts: November–December 2025 (details at usnbl.com)
- Pathway: Unsigned players → College placement → Domestic contracts → International play
- More Info: usnbl.com | cstory@maconmomentum.com
Statement from the Commissioner
Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
“The launch of the Tri-State Conference is one of the most important milestones in NBL-US history. By establishing a footprint across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, we are unlocking opportunities for thousands of athletes in a region with a rich basketball culture and untapped talent pool.
This conference will embody what the NBL-US stands for: 40 games of structured, competitive basketball, consistent training standards, and a direct pathway to college programs, domestic contracts, and international exposure.
My expectation for the Tri-State Conference is that it becomes a model of professionalism and development. With Carl “CJ” Story as Conference Director, I am confident the conference will not only produce elite players but will also build strong ties to communities across the Gulf Coast. This will be one of our most competitive and most visible conferences, and I look forward to watching it set the bar.”
Statement from the Conference Director
Carl “CJ” Story, Conference Director, NBL-US Tri-State
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the Conference Director of the Tri-State Conference. For me, this is personal: growing up and building my career in Macon, Georgia, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible talent that often goes overlooked. This league will change that by giving our athletes a credible, professional platform to showcase their skills.
My expectation is clear: this conference will be known as one of the toughest in the NBL-US, and I believe our first champions can and will come from right here in the Tri-State region. We will build programs rooted in discipline, preparation, and exposure, ensuring players are ready for whatever their next step may be—whether that’s college basketball, a domestic pro contract, or an international opportunity.
Most importantly, my vision is to help unsigned players who may feel overlooked or underestimated. We will make sure they are trained, visible, and connected to the right scouts, coaches, and opportunities. I cannot wait to welcome athletes to tryouts in November and December and to show the entire league what our region has to offer.”
Season Framework
- Regular Season: 40 games per team (January 2026–April 2027)
- Competition: Regional rivalries spanning Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Standards: League-mandated structure including professional coaching, practice cadence, and player development systems
- Player Exposure: Verified film and evaluations shared with colleges, domestic scouts, and international partners
Tryouts & Player Pathway
- When: November–December 2025
- Where: Locations across Pensacola, Macon, Gulf Shores, and other regional cities (final details at usnbl.com)
- Who: Players ages 16–25 (unsigned, post-college, or free agent athletes)
- Format: Combine drills, measurable testing, live scrimmages, and pro evaluations
- Outcome: Selection into a 40-game professional development season with direct college, domestic, and international exposure
Community & Fan Impact
- Regional Identity: Representing Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, showcasing homegrown talent
- Youth Outreach: Clinics, mentorship programs, and school partnerships to engage the next generation of athletes
- Family Entertainment: Affordable ticketing and game-day experiences designed to unite communities around local teams
- Content Visibility: Highlight videos, interviews, and digital coverage across NBL-US platforms to maximize player and fan engagement
WNBL-US Tri-State — Launching September 2026
- Women’s Conference: 6-team model aligned with NBL-US standards
- Mission: Extend the same pro-development pathway to women athletes in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Opportunities: Placement into college, domestic, and international systems
About NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is the nation’s leading pro-development basketball league, founded to create a credible, structured pathway from unsigned prospects to college basketball, domestic contracts, and international play. Known as #TheExposureLeague and #TheIncentiveLeague, the NBL-US combines elite competition, verified film and scouting, and professional standards to turn player development into real opportunity.
Media & Inquiries
Conference Director (Tri-State): Carl “CJ” Story — cstory@maconmomentum.com
League Information: usnbl.com
Discussion about this post