The Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) has set an ambitious tone for the 2026 season following a well-attended Affiliates Meeting that brought together key stakeholders from across the island to ratify new leadership appointments, review the federation’s performance, and officially confirm the calendar for the upcoming National Basketball League (NBL).
A total of eleven affiliates were represented both in person and virtually, underscoring the federation’s strong national footprint. Participating organizations included Bonne Terre Blazers, Courts Jets, East Coast Academy, Morne Gladiators, Basketball for the Future (BFTF), Mr. Magic Basketball, Netblazers, Fired Up Fitness, the Association of Referees and Officials, Vieux Fort Basketball and Soufriere Kings. Representatives from potential returning affiliates Dennery Dolphins and Babonneau Dynasty were also in attendance, signaling possible expansion and renewed engagement within the local basketball community.
The meeting agenda reflected a federation in transition and forward motion. Affiliates received the President’s Address, a comprehensive Year in Review, the Financial Report for 2025, and an outline of the 2026 Calendar of Activities. Central to the proceedings was the ratification of three executive appointments aimed at strengthening the federation’s administrative capacity.
Ms. Shenaz Narcisse, formerly Assistant Secretary, was elevated to the post of General Secretary, replacing Ms. Julie Bonnett. Johnson Mondesir was elected as the new Assistant Secretary, while Ms. Laura John was confirmed as 2nd Vice President, succeeding Ms. Benise Joseph. The appointments fill previously vacant positions and signal renewed structural stability within the federation’s executive arm.
Attention quickly turned to on-court action as the SLBF confirmed that the 2026 National Basketball League will tip off with the Preseason Invitational from February 27 to March 1, ahead of the official NBL start on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
This year’s invitational promises heightened regional excitement, featuring returning Dominican champions 767 Sports Club, defending NBL champions Soufriere Kings, 2025 runners-up Bonne Terre Blazers, and, for the first time, Waks Basketball Club from Martinique.
In addition to league competition, the federation outlined a renewed commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes.
Officials emphasized a stronger developmental thrust in women’s basketball for 2026, with initiatives aimed at increasing participation, visibility, and competitive pathways for female players across the island.
The meeting concluded with open-floor discussions and light refreshments, capping off what many described as a productive and forward-thinking session.
The SLBF also extended congratulations to its nominees ahead of this weekend’s National Sports Awards, expressing confidence that the federation’s continued growth and performance will be well represented on the national stage.
With leadership consolidated and the 2026 calendar officially launched, the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation appears poised for a dynamic and competitive year ahead.
