Six-team conference to play a 40-game season; WNBL-US West Virginia to launch September 2026. Local basketball leader John Goode named Conference Director.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — September 29, 2025 — The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US), the nation’s premier pro-development basketball platform, today announced its expansion into West Virginia with a new Charleston-based conference debuting January 2026. The conference will feature six (6) teams competing in a 40-game regular season, delivering elite player development, high-level competition, and family-friendly game experiences across the Mountain State. In tandem, the league confirmed that WNBL-US (women’s) competition in West Virginia will launch in September 2026.
As part of the expansion, the NBL-US has appointed John Goode—a respected Charleston basketball figure with years of experience in scouting, recruiting, coaching, and placing players in colleges and internationally—as Conference Director. Player tryouts for the men’s conference will be staged throughout November and December 2025 at sites to be announced.
Key Facts
- Market: Charleston-based West Virginia Conference
- Structure: 6 teams | 40-game regular season (January 2026 start)
- Women’s Launch: WNBL-US West Virginia begins September 2026
- Leadership: John Goode, Conference Director
- Tryouts: November–December 2025 (dates/venues released via usnbl.com)
- Pathway: Pro-development model emphasizing college placement and domestic/international contracts
- Info/Contact: usnbl.com | jgoode@usnbl.com
Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
“West Virginia has a deep, proud basketball culture—tough, team-first, and community-driven. Planting our flag in Charleston allows us to build a true player-to-pro pipeline in a market that values development and opportunity.
Our six-team, 40-game conference is designed to mirror the demands of the professional game, while still meeting players where they are—whether they’re unsigned high school graduates, collegiate transfers, recent alumni, or pros seeking a platform to reach the next level.
With John Goode at the helm, the West Virginia Conference will operate with the standards, structure, and support that define the NBL-US. My expectations are clear: disciplined programs, credible scouting and placement, competitive balance, and game-day experiences that make families want to come back every week. This conference should quickly become one of the league’s toughest and a reliable source of college placements and contracts domestically and abroad. We’re thrilled to get started in January.”
John Goode, Conference Director, NBL-US West Virginia
“I’m honored to lead the NBL-US West Virginia Conference and to do it here in Charleston, where basketball truly means something. My excitement comes from knowing what this league stands for—development, exposure, and real opportunities.
My expectation is simple: the NBL-US Champion will come from West Virginia. We will coach hard, compete harder, and prepare players the right way. That means film, skills, strength, professionalism, and consistent standards on and off the court.
Our mission is to open doors—help unsigned players earn college opportunities, secure domestic contracts, or sign internationally. If you’re hungry, coachable, and ready to work, this conference will give you the stage and the support to be seen. I can’t wait to meet the talent at tryouts this November and December.”
Tryouts & Player Pathway
- Windows: November–December 2025 (multiple dates/locations across the region; finalized schedule posted at usnbl.com)
- Format: Pro-style evaluations, position-specific drills, live scrimmages, and performance assessments
- Selection: Players may be invited to training camp and/or directly rostered following evaluations
- Outcome: Access to a 40-game season, professional coaching, scouting visibility, and placement support for college and pro opportunities (domestic & international)
Players: Pre-register and review eligibility requirements at usnbl.com.
Coaches/Staff/Officials: Expression of interest forms will be available via usnbl.com.
Sponsors/Venues: Partnership inquiries welcomed (game nights, community events, and broadcast inventory).
Community Impact & Fan Experience
- Local Focus: Home-grown rosters supported by community-rooted programs, youth clinics, and school outreach
- Affordable Access: Family-friendly ticketing and regional rivalries designed to energize local fans
- Visibility: Robust content coverage and league-wide promotion to showcase West Virginia talent
About NBL-US
The National Basketball League – United States (NBL-US) is a pro-development basketball league founded to create credible pathways for players to advance—from unsigned prospects to college, domestic pro, and international contracts. The league emphasizes competitive schedules, professional standards, and direct scouting and placementsupport.
Media & Inquiries
Conference Director (West Virginia): John Goode — jgoode@usnbl.com
League Information: usnbl.com
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