Author: Monojit Mandal
Brazilian basketball fans, rejoice! The next edition of Brazil’s main basketball tournament, the National Basketball League (NBB), is set to break records by becoming the most expanded edition in the league’s history. The NBB is preparing to present an incredible line-up of 19 clubs ready to compete in the 2023/2024 season, which starts on October 21. This rivalry promises an exciting spectacle, fueled by fanatical fans and the triumphant resurrection of beloved franchises, especially Botafogo, Mogi Basquete and R10 Score Vasco da Gama.
The trio joins Bauru Basket, Brasília Basquete, Caxias do Sul, Coop São José Basketball, Cerrado Basquete, Corinthians, Flamengo, Fortaleza Basquete Cearense, Minas Tênis Clube, Pato Basquete, Paulistano, Pinheiros, Sesi Franca, São Paulo, Unio Corinthians and Unifacisa, marking an exciting change. While NBB 15 rival Rio Claro takes a break to renew its sporting activities, NBB 16’s roster of 19 competitors propels it to a new level, surpassing its 2012/2013 predecessor, which had 18 teams.
Botafogo, the South American champions in 2019, are in the spotlight as the league recovers. Botafogo returns to the top division of Brazilian basketball after a four-year absence. Similarly, Mogi Basketball returns after a season of rejuvenation. Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama is looking to revive its glory days by reviving its professional basketball program after a four-season sabbatical. Vasco da Gama hope to relive their successes on the domestic and South American fronts, recalling their victories in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The developing drama will include an attractive regular phase marked by a round-robin style in which each team will face each other in home and away matches. As a result, the playoffs will feature a tough battle between 16 clubs, starting with a three-game series in the Round of 16, progressing to a best-of-five series in the quarter-finals and beyond. When the dust settles, the renowned NBB 16 winner will triumph in June 2024. Although the rules and schedule for the tournament will be announced in August, the exciting spectacle will be broadcast on ESPN, SporTV and the National Basketball League’s YouTube channel.
In addition, basketball fans can enjoy the Super 8 Cup in January of the following year, an exciting exhibition of the eight best teams from the first round of the NBB.