FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 28, 2025
Location: Pasadena, Texas
Franchise to Compete in the New Era Sports Management Conference Under Head Coach & GM Michael Stribling.; Fall League Debut Set for November 2 at PAL Gymnasium
Pasadena, TX — The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) today announced that the Texas Stampede has officially joined the league and will compete in the New Era Sports Management Conference beginning this winter. Led by Head Coach and General Manager Michael Stribling., the Stampede will open their inaugural NBL-US campaign on February 21 with a 20-game regular season, bringing high-level professional development basketball to the Lake Houston / Humble area.
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Before the regular season tips, the Stampede will participate in the NBL-US Fall League starting November 2 at PAL Gymnasium, providing early evaluation windows for roster construction, system installation, and player development. For more information, visit usnbl.com or email mstribling@usnbl.com.
A FIBA-Sanctioned Pathway with a Unique Eligibility Model
The NBL-US operates under a FIBA-sanctioned framework that blends elite competition with athlete advancement and academic optionality. Each team’s active roster follows the league’s distinctive age-tier composition:
- 3 players: 18 & under
- 4 players: 19–22
- Up to 3 players: 23 & over
Known as “The Exposure League” and “The Incentive League,” NBL-US enables qualified athletes to pursue sponsorships and NIL deals while maintaining college eligibility in accordance with applicable rules—expanding on- and off-court opportunities without forcing players to choose between development and education.
Statement from Commissioner Lillian Countee
“Welcoming the Texas Stampede into the NBL-US is a major win for our league and for the Pasadena basketball community. The Stampede’s leadership has embraced our FIBA-sanctioned development model, our age-tier roster structure, and our commitment to creating real opportunities through exposure and incentives. With Michael Stribling. at the helm, we expect the Stampede to set a high standard in player development, professionalism, and community engagement from day one.”
— Lillian Countee, Commissioner, NBL-US
Statement from Head Coach & GM Michael Stribling.
“It’s an honor to lead the Texas Stampede into the NBL-US. Our mission is simple: identify, develop, and elevate talent while representing the Pasadena area with pride, discipline, and relentless effort. The NBL-US model—its age tiers, FIBA alignment, and NIL-friendly structure—gives our athletes a modern pathway to succeed. We’re excited to compete in the New Era Sports Management Conference, to pack the gym on game nights, and to build something the community can truly own.”
— Michael Stribling, Head Coach & General Manager, Texas Stampede
Community, Player Development, and the Game-Night Experience
The Texas Stampede will emphasize:
- Player Development & Exposure: Individualized development plans, film breakdown, and pro-style systems designed to prepare athletes for collegiate, domestic, and international opportunities.
- Education & NIL Literacy: Workshops on financial fundamentals, media training, and NIL best practices to help athletes navigate modern opportunities responsibly.
- Community Integration: Youth clinics, school visits, and small-business spotlights on game nights to make Stampede basketball a local economic and social driver.
- Game Presentation: Professional broadcast standards, live stats, and a high-energy in-arena experience that showcases the league’s fast pace and competitive depth.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Fall League Begins: November 2 — PAL Gymnasium
- Regular Season Tip-Off: February 21 — 20-game season
- Conference: New Era Sports Management Conference
- Head Coach/GM: Michael Stribling — mstribling@usnbl.com
- League Info: usnbl.com
More updates coming soon, including staff announcements, assistant coaching hires, tryout details, and home-game schedule/venue confirmations.
About the Texas Stampede
The Texas Stampede is a professional development basketball franchise representing the Pasadena, Texas region in the NBL-US. Operating within a FIBA-sanctioned structure and the league’s age-tier roster model, the Stampede exists to identify talent, accelerate growth, and connect athletes with opportunities—on the court, in the classroom, and in the marketplace.
About the NBL-US
The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) is a professional development league combining FIBA-sanctioned standards with a modern athlete pathway. Branded as The Exposure League and The Incentive League, the NBL-US enables sponsorships and NIL activation while preserving college eligibility, and features an innovative roster model to cultivate talent across age tiers.
Media Contact
NBL-US Communications
Web: usnbl.com
Email: info@usnbl.com
Texas Stampede Inquiries
Email: mstribling@usnbl.com
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