JaBA and ISSA Restarts Girls U14 Basketball Tournament
The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), in partnership with ISSA, will launch the inaugural Girls Under-14 Basketball Tournament on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the National Stadium, tip-off 9:00 AM. The event revives competitive basketball for young female athletes, filling a crucial gap in Jamaica’s development pathway. 144 players from 12 Kingston schools are expected to compete, gaining vital experience for future national team progression. “This tournament is the foundation of a movement,” said JaBA General Secretary Makeisha Robinson. “We are committed to giving Jamaica’s young women the platform they deserve to compete, grow, and represent the nation.” JaBA plans to expand the U14 tournament nationwide with regional qualifiers leading to a championship, ensuring structured youth basketball across Jamaica. By targeting U14 athletes, JaBA and ISSA are investing in the long-term future of Jamaica’s women’s basketball, aligning with international best practices and raising visibility for girls’ sports. A NATIONAL VISION: PHASED EXPANSION FROM 2027 What begins as a 12-team competition in Kingston is only the starting point. JaBA has outlined an ambitious phased expansion plan beginning in 2027, with the goal of rolling out the Girls U14 Tournament nationwide bringing structured, ISSA-endorsed youth basketball to every corner of Jamaica. The expansion roadmap envisions regional qualifying rounds feeding into a national championship, creating a sustainable and scalable competition structure that will serve Jamaica’s young female athletes for generations to come. TOURNAMENT PARTNERS This year’s Girls U14 Basketball Tournament is made possible through the generous support of two distinguished Jamaican institutions: Bob & Rita Marley Foundation – Official Support Partner A cornerstone of Jamaican cultural and humanitarian legacy, the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation brings tremendous prestige and community significance to this tournament. Their partnership underscores the deep connection between Jamaican culture, community development, and youth empowerment values that sit at the heart of this competition. TAD Water — Official Hydration Partner TAD Water, Jamaica’s homegrown flavoured bottled water brand, steps in as the Official Hydration Partner for the event, ensuring all 144 athletes, coaching staff, and match officials remain fuelled and refreshed throughout the tournament day. TAD Water branding will feature prominently at the venue, on signage, and on the shirts of match officials placing the brand at the centre of this landmark sporting occasion.
Williams Targets Profitability for 2026 NBL Season
In an initiative to revitalize Jamaica’s struggling National Basketball League (NBL), the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) has appointed Christopher Williams as the chairman of the league’s commercial operations. Williams, formerly the head of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), has made it clear that his primary mandate is to generate profit. He expressed confidence in the NBL’s potential, citing Jamaica’s strategic location, strong national brand, and the global appeal of basketball as key assets. Williams is currently finalizing business, expense, and revenue strategies to present to JaBA executives. Drawing on his five-year tenure building the JPL, he identifies sponsorship and gate receipts as the league’s top revenue streams. While broadcasting will serve marketing purposes, he does not expect significant income from it due to the challenges of selling content in the streaming era. Instead, the plan includes securing a title sponsor to merge brands with the league and ensuring each team has its own corporate associate for financial stability. The proposed schedule runs from July to September, with games hosted at the National Arena to enhance fan experience. The playoffs will feature dancehall artists and other celebrities to boost excitement. Williams has also devised a strategy to avoid conflicts with the 2026 World Cup, planning to hold the NBL playoffs after the tournament’s early rounds when the schedule becomes more spaced out. JaBA President Paulton Gordon emphasized the goal of establishing a semi-professional local league that can serve as a feeder for regional and international competitions. He noted that Williams’ proven success with the JPL made him the ideal candidate to drive this vision forward. Williams aims to achieve profitability within his first year, with promotions already underway and sponsors showing confidence in the new direction.