Lake Houston Herd Join NBL‑US, Expanding FIBA‑Sanctioned Division 1 Pathway in Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lake Houston Herd Join NBL‑US, Expanding FIBA‑Sanctioned Division 1 Pathway in Texas

New club to compete in a 40‑game 2026 campaign with a flexible four‑session format; athletes 17+ receive NIL compensation and incentives, FIBA and USbasket.com profiles, live streams, game highlights, and FIBA‑verified statistics

LAKE HOUSTON, Texas — October 3, 2025 — The National Basketball League–United States (NBL‑US) today announced the Lake Houston Herd as the newest club to join its Division 1 platform, reinforcing the league’s FIBA‑sanctioned ecosystem across the state of Texas and the broader United States. The Herd will begin play in January 2026, competing in a 40‑game regular season engineered to maximize athlete development, verified exposure, and international readiness.

NBL‑US is the only FIBA‑sanctioned league in the United States that blends AAU, post‑graduate, and semi‑professional basketball into one standards‑based platform. With the Herd’s addition, athletes in the Lake Houston area gain a structured, data‑driven pathway to collegiate, professional, and international opportunities—delivered under FIBA rules and operations.

Commissioner Statement “Earlier this week we welcomed the Alvin Stallions into our Division 1 ranks, and today we’re equally proud to add the Lake Houston Herd,” said NBL‑US Commissioner Lillian Countee. “Texas is fast becoming a cornerstone for our FIBA‑standard model—community‑rooted clubs, credible data, verified competition, and clear pathways for athletes to be seen and succeed.”

“I’m truly excited about the Herd’s future,” Commissioner Countee added. “With a 40‑game schedule, a flexible four‑session format, live broadcast coverage, and FIBA‑verified statistics, the Lake Houston Herd provide players with the exact blend of development and exposure they need to advance. This is how we help athletes move from potential to proof.”

Season Structure and Competitive Format

• Start date: January 2026
• Season length: 40 games
• Session model: The season is divided into four 10‑game sessions
• Flexible participation: Players may participate in all four sessions or select 1, 2, or 3 sessions based on individual goals, academic schedules, and recommended exposure plans
• FIBA operations: All games are administered under FIBA rules, by FIBA‑standard officials and game‑ops protocols, ensuring apples‑to‑apples comparability worldwide
• Schedule release: The full 2026 schedule, including session windows, venues, and broadcast details, will be published ahead of the season start

Player Pathway, Deliverables, and Exposure Athletes rostered with the Lake Houston Herd (NBL‑US Division 1) receive:

• NIL compensation and incentives aligned with league policy
• FIBA player profile to facilitate international club opportunities
• USbasket.com profile (Eurobasket network) to increase professional visibility
• Live‑streamed games for coaches, scouts, and fans; on‑demand archives for review
• Game highlights, clipped and packaged for recruiting and social distribution
• FIBA‑verified statistics for credible evaluation by colleges, clubs, and agents

Why the Session Model Matters

• Personalization: The four‑session structure lets athletes customize their exposure and workload—ideal for those balancing academics, training cycles, or recovery plans
• Data volume: More meaningful minutes across verified competition equals more credible film and statistics
• Talent signaling: Consistency across sessions helps athletes demonstrate growth, resilience, and readiness to decision‑makers

Eligibility and How to Join

• Division: NBL‑US Division 1
• Eligibility: Players ages 17 and up may apply
• Application: Visit the official league website to begin the membership process and receive evaluation details
• Get started: usnbl.com
• Note: Athletes under 18 will require parent/guardian consent. All participation is subject to league eligibility rules and compliance with applicable regulations

Competitive Standards and Data Integrity

• FIBA rules and game ops: The Herd compete under FIBA standards for timing, officiating, equipment, and game administration
• Verified statistics: Box scores and cumulative season data are captured and maintained to FIBA standards, ensuring credibility across domestic and international markets
• Film and broadcast: All contests are live‑streamed and archived; each game is clipped into highlights to support recruiting, fan engagement, and professional scouting

Community Impact and Regional Growth

• Texas footprint: With the recent addition of the Alvin Stallions (announced October 1), Texas emerges as a major hub for the NBL‑US model—supporting more clubs, more verified games, and more opportunities for athletes across the region
• Development emphasis: The Herd’s program is designed to elevate athletes’ technical skills, tactical IQ, and professional habits through a standards‑based competition calendar and transparent data

Key Facts at a Glance

• Team: Lake Houston Herd
• League: NBL‑US Division 1 (FIBA‑sanctioned)
• Location: Lake Houston, Texas
• Announcement Date: October 3, 2025
• Season Start: January 2026
• Season Length: 40 games
• Format: Four 10‑game sessions; players may participate in 1, 2, 3, or all 4 sessions
• Player Benefits: NIL compensation and incentives; FIBA player profile; USbasket.com profile; live‑streamed games; game highlights; FIBA‑verified statistics
• Eligibility: Ages 17+

About the Lake Houston Herd: The Lake Houston Herd are the newest addition to the NBL‑US Division 1 landscape, representing the Lake Houston community with a player‑first, FIBA‑standard approach to competition and development. The Herd’s mission is to deliver verified exposure and real opportunities for athletes through high‑quality operations, credible data, and comprehensive media coverage.

About NBL‑US Mission: To deliver an accessible, FIBA‑sanctioned basketball platform in the United States that unifies AAU, post‑graduate, and semi‑professional competition—providing verified exposure, credible statistics, and real pathways for athletes ages 17 and up to advance domestically and internationally.

Vision: To be North America’s premier unified pathway from grassroots to professional basketball—recognized for FIBA‑standard operations, transparent and verified data, comprehensive media coverage, and global connectivity that unlocks opportunities for every committed athlete.

For Media and Information

Learn more, apply for Division 1 membership, and follow updates on schedules and broadcasts: usnbl.com