Team to compete in 40-game 2026 season; NBL-US continues growth as the nation’s only FIBA-sanctioned league blending AAU, Post-Grad, and Semi-Professional basketball under one system.
HOUSTON, Texas — October 7, 2025 — The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is proud to officially welcome the Houston Culture as its newest member franchise ahead of the 2026 NBL-US Division 1 season, which tips off in January 2026.
The Culture become one of the newest elite development programs in the NBL-US ecosystem — a league recognized internationally as the only FIBA-sanctioned league in the United States that uniquely combines AAU, Post-Graduate, and Semi-Professional basketball into one comprehensive platform for athletes aged 17 and up.
Season Structure
The Houston Culture will compete in a 40-game regular season, divided into four (4) ten-game sessions. This innovative format allows athletes to choose their level of participation and exposure:
- Session 1: Foundational Exposure (10 games)
- Session 2: Extended Development (20 games)
- Session 3: High-Visibility Track (30 games)
- Session 4: Full Season Professional Exposure (40 games)
Players may participate in one, two, three, or all four sessions depending on their readiness, academic schedule, and recruitment goals.
Player Benefits & Opportunities
Athletes competing with the Houston Culture receive access to a full professional-development suite that bridges the gap between amateur and professional basketball, including:
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and incentive opportunities
- A verified FIBA player profile for international opportunities
- A professional USBasket.com (Eurobasket Network) profile for scouting and exposure
- Live-streamed games on official NBL-US broadcast platforms
- Individual highlight packages and verified FIBA statistics updated in real time
- Access to NBL-US placement staff for college, domestic, and overseas scouting opportunities
This model gives players measurable visibility while maintaining academic flexibility and compliance with collegiate and professional pathways.
Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
“The addition of the Houston Culture represents everything the NBL-US stands for — innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. Houston is one of America’s great basketball cities, and this franchise perfectly embodies the community’s creativity, diversity, and drive.
What excites me most is how the Culture align with our vision to create a player-first ecosystem. Their four-session structure allows athletes to grow at their own pace, gain verified FIBA exposure, and compete against credible national talent while being part of a professional environment.
With organizations like the Houston Culture joining our ranks — alongside the Alvin Stallions and other Texas-based programs — the future of the NBL-US is brighter than ever. We’re continuing to prove that professional development and education can coexist in one unified, globally respected league.”
About the NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is a FIBA-sanctioned professional development league headquartered in Houston, Texas. It is the only U.S. league that merges AAU, Post-Graduate, and Semi-Professional basketball into one structured system designed to prepare athletes for the next level — college, domestic professional leagues, and international contracts.
Mission
To create a credible, transparent, and sustainable basketball ecosystem that provides real opportunities for athletes through professional development, verified exposure, and global access.
Vision
To become the most trusted and globally connected development league in the world — where athletes can build careers, earn recognition, and represent their communities through the game of basketball.
Membership Information
Athletes ages 17 and older can apply for NBL-US Division 1 membership and participate in one or more 10-game sessions based on eligibility and readiness.
Applications, tryout information, and team registration are available at:
🔗 usnbl.com
Media & Inquiries
Media Contact:
National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US)
📍 Houston, Texas
🌐 usnbl.com
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