The EABL and WEABL return for 2026–27 with a larger three-pool structure, new programmes and significant changes to several of last season’s leading teams.
Each competition now contains 18 teams divided across three pools. The structure replaces the previous two-league format and creates new regional match-ups across England’s leading under-19 academy competitions.[4]
The opening games began on Wednesday 30 September, with the main programme expanding from 7 October.
Which programmes are new?
Several established academies have expanded their involvement. SGS College and Myerscough have added WEABL teams, while Nottingham Academy Wildcats have entered the EABL.
The wider list of new or returning programmes includes Newcastle College, UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Xaverian College, New City College Hackney and The Canterbury Academy.[4]
Newcastle and UTC Sheffield opened the men’s season against each other. Newcastle returned to the EABL after missing the competition’s previous four-year cycle, while UTC Sheffield entered as a new programme.
Newcastle College’s women faced Nottingham Academy Wildcats in their first WEABL test. Nottingham reached last season’s Final Fours but entered the new campaign without reigning North MVP Tiarna Chambers-Desmond and guard Mateya Georgieva.[4]
Myerscough begin their EABL title defence
Myerscough enter as the defending men’s champions and are pursuing a fourth EABL title.
Team of the Year selection Olivier Esingle returns, but EABL Final MVP Salomi Latidan and forwards Zach Trezvant and Harry Sheehan have moved on. That leaves the champions integrating new pieces around their returning core.[4]
Manchester Magic, the team Myerscough beat in last season’s final, also have important roles to replace following the departures of Jack Walton and North MVP Demi Babalola.
The new Central pool should provide fresh match-ups for Copleston, Charnwood College Riders, Derby Trailblazers, Birmingham, HHS and SGS College.
In the South, CoLA and Barking remain prominent names, although both have lost influential players. Oaklands Wolves, Itchen, New City and returning Canterbury add further uncertainty to that pool.[4]
Can anyone stop CoLA in the WEABL?
City of London Academy–Southwark completed a perfect 2025–26 season and secured its sixth WEABL championship.
A seventh title will require a rebuilt roster. Former two-time MVP Ayla Habbal, finals MVP Adaora Dioramma, Debra Wilson-Osuide, Chloe Vella and Eva-Grace Yebila have all departed.[4]
Barking Abbey could be one of the teams best placed to challenge, particularly with WNBL Under-17 Player of the Year Sharliyah Sutherland. Itchen, Oaklands, New City and Canterbury also form part of a reshaped group of contenders.
Nottingham and Manchester should be central to the North race, while Copleston begin as a leading Central candidate despite roster turnover of their own.
MK5D made a sizeable improvement last season by reaching the post-season in only their second year. Faith Deakin, an All-Conference selection and Under-17 Player of the Year, is expected to remain an important part of that programme.[4]
Why the academy leagues matter
The EABL and WEABL sit at an important point between junior club basketball, education and the senior game.
Players compete in a structured school or college environment while gaining exposure to national-level opposition. The leagues also provide a route towards NBL and WNBL basketball, university programmes and opportunities overseas.
For supporters trying to follow the next generation of British talent, the expanded structure offers more programmes and a wider geographical spread. It also creates immediate questions: how quickly will the new teams adjust, can Myerscough repeat, and can a rebuilt CoLA maintain its dominance?
The opening weeks should begin to provide those answers.