The 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs got off to a thrilling start over the weekend, with the opening round producing dominant sweeps, dramatic finishes and upsets as the race for domestic glory gathered momentum at YMCA Wandegeya.
The biggest talking point of the opening weekend came in the women’s quarter-finals, where defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins saw their reign ended after suffering a comprehensive 2-0 series defeat to top seeds JT Lady Jaguars.
Last season’s runners-up, who topped the regular season, turned the tables on the side that defeated them 4-1 in last year’s finals.
JT Lady Jaguars avenged against who beat them in last year’s finals. JKL had won three consecutive league titles and five championships overall
Joining the Lady Jaguars in the semifinals are the eight-time record champions UCU Lady Canons, who also completed a comfortable 2-0 sweep over KIU Rangers.
KCCA Leopards moved within one victory of the semifinals after defeating UPDF Lady Tomahawks 60-43 in Game One.
The only women’s series still level is between Magic Stormers and the newly-promoted Pearl Queens.
In the men’s quarter-finals, defending champions Namuwongo Blazers began their title defence by defeating JT Jaguars 77-60 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Ten-time champions City Oilers also made a winning start, overcoming KCCA Panthers 58-50 to move one game away from the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Rezlife Saints survived a tense battle against Sommet BC to claim a narrow 68-67 victory and seize the early advantage in their series.
The most evenly poised men’s quarter-final is between UCU Canons and Victoria Crocs who are square in the series.
Quarter-final action resumes on Wednesday across YMCA Wandegeya, ABJA Park and Lugogo Indoor Arena.
