Author: paulflowers@dpmfinancials.com

Jaheim Ciego

Jaheim Ciego joins the jungle!
and He seh, “We ACTIVE!”

The BPBL just got way more vertical. Belizean born and Dangriga raised, Jaheim Ciego, has confirmed that he will be participating in the Belize Premier Basketball League’s inaugural season!

After spending the last few years sharpening his game in the U.S. college system, Jaheim Ciego is making his return to Belize—and he’s bringing his above-the-rim résumé with him.

At 6-foot-7, Ciego is one of the most naturally athletic young swingmen in the league. His game is built on bounce, length, and instincts. He plays fast, flies high, and makes plays that turn gym noise into echoes. You don’t guard him; you try fi no get DUNK PAN (translation: try to not get dunked on)!

And while his athleticism is what grabs your attention, it’s not the only thing that matters. He’s logged real minutes before in the BEBL with Dangriga Dream Ballers, so he’s not new to this. He’s had to produce in tight games. He’s felt the weight of a crowd. He’s answered the call.

Now, with the BPBL ushering in a new era, Jaheim steps back onto the scene with more experience, more bounce, and more reasons to make a statement.

In an interview with Ciego, he was asked how he felt about professional basketball coming back to Belize. His response was:

“I FEEL GREAT ABOUT IT! Especially with the new league saying they will help us get footage of the games. I feel like that is a great thing for ballers like me, who will need footage if we want to go overseas to play pro. We will have footage that says, “ Yea we played ball [internationally] in Belize.”… With the league doing that, allowing us to get footage, that is great.”

Ciego was then asked how he feels about the new format the BPBL is offering. He said:

“I actually love the thought of it. I love the idea of the division games. The games will be MORE INTERESTING, you feel me, more people will go out saying, “These teams are battling for [divisional] seeding”… The way we play in the states is the same thing… I LOVE THE IDEA; I LOVE THE STRUCTURE!”

The final question posed to Ciego was how does he think he will fare against his competitors, and what does he have to say to them? Ciego excitedly responded saying:

All I have to say to my opponents bro is, “BRING UNU BEST GAME!” Because I’m bringing my best game and leaving it all on the floor… WE WAH COMPETE and we wah MAKE DIS TING INTERESTING!”

Ciego is ready to go and says he feels like he is in the best shape of his life. We are expecting the highlights from him to be like nothing we have seen before in a WHILE!

The only question that remains is…

WHO CIEGO WAH PLAY FAH ?!

BY PAUL FLOWERS JR., BPBL WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

The BPBL is going NEXGEN!

The BPBL is going NEXGEN!

The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) is thrilled to announce a game-changing broadcast partnership with The National Channel (TNC10), ushering in a new era of visibility, professionalism, and national excitement for Belizean basketball.

As part of a comprehensive partnership, TNC10 will serve as the exclusive television and streaming partner of the BPBL for the 2025 season, a strategic move set to boost the league’s visibility and provide fans nationwide and beyond with premium access to the action.

“This is more than a broadcast deal,” said Dr. Gilbert Gordon, BPBL CEO and Director of Marketing. “It’s a commitment to making Belizean basketball more accessible, more visible, and more impactful. This partnership is historic.”

Built on more than just financial investment, the collaboration between the BPBL and TNC10 represents a bold commitment to innovation and growth. Powered by NEXGENTV’s cutting-edge digital platform and TNC10’s nationwide reach, fans can expect unmatched coverage, expert commentary, and exclusive content — setting a new standard for local sports broadcasting.

The most exciting facet of the new agreement is the launch of the NEXGENTV BPBL League Pass: A first-of-its-kind streaming platform under the TNC10/NEXGEN umbrella that will allow fans at home and abroad to subscribe for live and on-demand access to every game of the season.

Enter the Jungle and witness the NEXGEN experience with the NEXGENTV BPBL League Pass, COMING SOON! 

By The BPBL CEO’s Office

BPBL Power Ranking

BPBL Power ranking

Pre-Roster Submissions

The BPBL is about three weeks away from tipoff, and the player carousel is in full rotation. The balance of power has clearly shifted—now resting with the teams that have invested in building strong local rosters. That’s where championships will be won or lost. It’s no longer about who can bring in the flashiest import, but who can develop and retain top-tier homegrown talent.

That said, when the dust settles among the top contenders—most of whom already have elite locals like Coope Lopez, Arik Nicholas, John Kelly, Brandon Flowers, and Francis Arana—the final edge may come down to the selection of the Belizean-American and foreign-born player. These picks won’t carry the team, but they could be the piece that pushes a great team into contender status. It’s not the spotlight move—it’s the finishing touch.

All the hand-wringing and late-night boardroom anxiety will center around how to spend those precious slots. The rules are clear: you only get one chance to fix your mistake. Otherwise, it’s “better luck next year.”

The purpose of this post is to shine a spotlight on the decisions being made by those responsible for player selection and roster construction. These takes are solely the opinion of one man and do not reflect the official stance of the BPBL. What this post does have in common with the league’s philosophy is a deep desire to bring light—and accountability—to those with the power to shape a team.

So let’s see who steps up. Can we spot the Rob Pelinka or Nico Harrison of the BPBL?

Rosters are due this month. The names will update this first Power Ranking, and once the games begin, wins and losses will tell us everything we need to know about how the league’s GMs are really performing.

So sit back, relax, and let’s see these rosters.

7. Corozal Cerros Suns

The newest entrant to the professional basketball scene was the Corozal Cerros Suns. Back in the day, when Troy Gabb was running a vibrant professional league, young superstars like Kirk “Shabba” Smith did a landmark signing with the Corozal Khaos under GM Doyle Flowers. Corozal exploded on the scene in the 1990’s-2000’s, seemingly out of nowhere. After epic battles with big teams like the Kremandala Raiders on the Corozal Bay coastline, the city proved that with the right players and management, along with community financing, they can produce high-level entertainment in the city of Corozal that the community can rally alongside. As the only community that has active tournaments all year and during the COVID period, the resilience and continuity of Corozal basketball cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Now more than 20 years later, along come the Cerros Suns. Their close relationship with their Mexican counterparts makes it difficult to gauge their level of talent, and so because they are new and unknown, we place them here. However, if history is any judge, we will see that Corozal could very well be that “surprise” crash to the big dance that Griga and Sharks are and rightly should be nervous about.

6. Punta Gorda Panthers

The PG Panthers showed tremendous potential when they stormed onto the scene in 2019 with the likes of Campbell, a special talent that broke the league’s assist record with a 20- dime piece on opening night. The stadium was packed and upset alert was sent across the league when they downed the visiting Sharks powerhouse. Alas, it has all been downhill from there. The Panthers left the league in 2022 and stood on the sidelines for a time. Now, with the community and local players-focused BPBL, this natural fit to their business model and budget has seen the resurgence of the Panthers. After snagging the services of noted basketball legend and top basketball strategist and trainer Alex Carcamo, Panthers quickly made their presence felt on the ground during the free agent frenzy. After snagging some big names, they are still in the hunt for some key local pieces which, if it falls their way, could see them at the very least competing for the Toucan Cup. With an experienced management and marketing team and now with one of the most feared basketball minds in camp, it may be a bit late for the Panthers in 2025, but come 2026, for sure, they will be competing for the Toucan Cup and likely be in the Jungle by 2026.

5. Belize City Thnderbolts

The withdrawal of the Belize Hurricanes and the Belize City Defenders from active competition has left a void in the city. This is a city with a 10,000+ fanbase and a 3,000+ paying in-person audience that is now open for new business. Enter the Belize City Thunderbolts. This new team emerged from the ashes of these two powerhouses with the power to merge the roster of two titans into a super team. However, their Achilles heel was that many of their star players were Belizean Americans. The new rules of the BPBL only allow one (1) Naturalized Belizean American to be on the roster, which meant open season for the players from these teams to be distributed all over the league—you can only have one. This creates a challenge for the Belize City Thunderbolts who find a market where their big-name star players, being freed from the shackles of team loyalty, are free to shop their services everywhere and anywhere. It is yet to be seen where key league superstars like Glancy Lopez, John Kelly, and Eyan Rene will fall (Minister Devin Daly is now off the board?). Until this crisis is settled, the Thunder remains down in the cellar. However, if the new management is able to capture the imagination and pocketbook of any combination of these proven champions, the Sharks could very well find themselves looking up at a new number one heir to the first-ever Jaguar Cup. We will know on April 24 if the Thunderbolts will rise to the top or sink to the bottom of the standings.

4. Belmopan Capital City Kings

Belmopan was always a threat to return to prominence after their Farron Louriano and Devin Daly fueled championship run of 2017. Now, 8 years later, they seem poised for that return to prominence. With a first-rate and formidable new management team in place and raising young stars like home-grown Jayden Lopez and Jevon “Chucky” McKenzie as a foundation, Belmopan is a real threat to Cayo for supremacy of the East-West Mayan Division. There seems to be a breath of fresh air in Belmopan as players, management, and sponsors all finally have realigned to present the capital as potentially a Jaguar Cup contender—if a few outstanding missing pieces fall into place. Perhaps their biggest move was to lure a hall of fame Belizean basketball star with international experience and success to come out of the shadows and impart his international basketball knowledge to the Capital City Kings. All things considered, these are all the pieces necessary to at the very least have the Belmopanese pumping their chest and talking smack-a definite out of character move these normally quiet and reserved intellectuals.

3. Cayo Western Ballaz

The first home run hit in the pre-season was by Cayo. This move immediately set them up to be the favorite in the West and the likely contender for the Jaguar Championship. Western Ballaz has been to the finals twice and were a dominant force before the league opened up to foreign play. Famous for sticking to home-grown players, their formula is perfect for the BPBL, and they are most poised to take advantage of the community-based BPBL philosophy. To top it off, they have tapped the services of NEBL championship coach and U17 history maker (2023 FIBA U17 Bronz Medalist) Bernie Tarr to return as a stabilizing force on the bench. With a steady group of home-grown kids that can now contribute on a

more level playing field and the addition of timely foreign support, Western Ballaz stands as the early favorite in the Mayan East-West Conference, thanks to savvy early management moves. With Cayo unveiling a new court and a proven fan base that has packed out all games for the past 5 years, Cayo is emerging as a prime destination for the BPBL and may soon find themselves not only playing in but hosting the future Jaguar Championship.

2. Dangriga Dream Ballers

A perennial playoff contender, Griga has the most talented and athletic group of locals led by his namesake Edgar Mitchell. Griga was always a piece away and a game away from the championship, and with the new format, it favors their local talent pool. They still have some pieces that are out there that, if it pans out, could land easily in the number one spot. With renewed energy from the “top” and a fan base that is hands down the toughest road environment, Griga is poised to battle with the Sharks for the right to enter the Jungle at the Jaguar Championship. The fact that the top two teams in the league (in my opinion) hails from the same conference suggests that the Toucan may be the toughest division to come out of. Nothing is further from the truth as we will see when we look at the Mayan conference. One thing is certain, there is only space for one from the Jaguar (North-South Division).

1. San pedro tiger sharks

The Sharks have emerged as the frontrunners to win the inaugural Jaguar Championship. They boast a stable roster, featuring players who have competed together for years at the highest level. Their core of young, local talent is arguably the strongest we’ve seen performing on this stage. If national team superstar Jehad Wright returns for his fifth season as team leader, alongside 2024 coach of the year and three time NEBL Championship winning coach Riko Black—the league’s only year-round, championship-winning coach with three titles to his name—they will be incredibly difficult to beat. Rico has consistently graced the league with foreign players who has displayed skills never seen before in the league past. His ability to find unique gems as key pieces to his local talent makes him especially dangerous as the BPBL returns to a majority local talent base-RICO’s Wheelhouse. Their    gritty, high-energy, tenacious style is well established, and their team culture remains consistent no matter who steps onto the court. They’re my early-season pick to win it all.

By The GM

The Kids Are Watching

The Kids are watching !

by jaleeza tinea roberts, BPBL MAYAN CONFERENCE LEAGUE writer

The launch of the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) marks a defining moment for sports in the country. But beyond the structure, the uniforms, and the tip-off dates, something more transformative is unfolding. We have seen it over the past week and by now it’s no secret that the faces of this league are persons who we rub shoulders with on a regular basis. This is taking basketball back to the model of the 90s and early 2000’s when young, homegrown, and full of potential athletes were the face of Belizean basketball. We aren’t talking about athletes who are paid to do exactly that, be athletes, we are talking about individuals who have day jobs, maybe night, families, children and other responsibilities. Despite this, they have given basketball a place in their daily lives.

From the onset, the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) made what would be considered bringing back what was working by using the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) rule and reinstating it with intention. Each of its seven teams is required to roster at least one player under the age of 21. On paper, it’s a developmental strategy. In practice, it’s a cultural shift. For the first time, Belizeans are not only watching the game, they’re seeing themselves in it.

Fans aren’t just cheering for talent anymore; they’re cheering for people they grew up with. A forward from San Ignacio who once played barefoot in community tournaments. A teenager from Dangriga whose name echoed through high school gyms. A point guard from Belize City who spent summers training on cracked concrete courts. These aren’t distant stars imported for entertainment. These are sons, nephews, former classmates and now, professionals in their own right.

The impact on fan culture is immediate and electric. Centers and stadiums feel more intimate, chants more personal, and loyalty runs deeper. Young fans are no longer just dreaming of faraway leagues, they’re drawing inspiration from players who walked the same streets, faced the same limitations, and still made it to center court. This shift in representation is doing more than fueling pride, it’s expanding belief. Perhaps the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) will help Belizean youth realize that a future in basketball doesn’t have to start with leaving the country. It can begin at home. And that mindset shift from “someday, somewhere” to “here and now” is perhaps the league’s most powerful play.

As the inaugural season approaches, the spotlight shines not on foreign imports or big-name contracts, but on Belize’s own. The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) has created a space where local talent isn’t just included, it’s prioritized. And in doing so, it’s turning everyday players into village and city heroes, and everyday fans into believers.

If this is the beginning, can Belizean basketball be on the brink of something historic? Let’s see.

by jaleeza tinea roberts, BPBL MAYAN CONFERENCE LEAGUE writer

Jayden Lopez

Lope seh “I Ready!”
Jayden Lopez Joins the Jungle!

Honored as the Belize Elite Basketball League’s (BEBL) Most Improved Player last year (2024), Belmopan native Jayden “Lopey” Lopez confirms that he is going to play in the Belize Premier Basketball League’s inaugural season. Averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in his second year as a professional, the 6’1” guard is ready to elevate to the next level and prove that he is one to watch in this BPBL season.

At the age of 23, Jayden Lopez has spent the past couple years inching closer to greatness.

  • 2019 BECOL U-18 Champion
  • 2019 BECOL U-18 Season MVP
  • 2023 Masroor International Sports Tournament Champion
  • 2024 San Benito Quadrangular Champion
  • 2024 BEBL Most Improved Player

This year he does not plan to slow down. In an interview with Lopez, he was asked how he felt about basketball coming back to Belize? His response was:

“MEIIN IT FEELS GOOD!…Basketball is back on the elite level, I’m praying for good things for the new league and nothing but success for the season!” – Jayden Lopez

This excitement from the young rising star shows that the professional drought has been grueling for those who are hungry for high level competition. He was then asked how he feels about the format of the BPBL and he said:

“I like the format. Looking at it from the outside, it’s almost like the NBA. You have two conferences and the two conference winners competing in the Finals, so I like the format.” – Jayden Lopez

Lopez, in his community, is known for his hard work and early morning workouts with long time trainer Aldo Manzanero, aka ‘Manza’. His final question was, how did he feel about his conditioning and what he has to say to his competitors for the upcoming BPBL season. His answer was:

“I just hope THEY READY, because from the end of last season I di put in the work (translation: I’ve been putting in the work). Finding ways to be better on the court, looking on film…off-season wasn’t really so much of a off-season for me you know, I’ve been putting in the work since the season finished.” – Jayden Lopez

Jayden is the fastest rising young star in the BEBL and if he plays his cards right, he could be the face of the Mayan Conference, if not the entire Belize Premier Basketball League.

The question that remains to be answered is…

WHO LOPEY WAH PLAY FAH?

By paul flowers jr, bpbl wed and social media coordinator

Brian White

The paint is not safe!
Brian white joins the jungle!

Two-time NEBL champion. Proven leader, Relentless rebounder and Perenial double-double machine, Brian “Beso” White built a legacy on toughness, team-first basketball, and showing up when it mattered most. But in 2024, his journey took an unexpected turn that cut an already productive season short. Now in 2025, he’s back on the Belizean professional basketball scene. He joins a growing trend of high-profile ‘Marquee players’ who are committing to play in the BPBL. Through his participation, he aims to reestablish his reputation and remind fans and competitors alike who is BESO.

Brian White, who is renowned for his exceptional rebounding skills and versatility in adapting to different playing styles, shares a sentiment common among professional basketball players in Belize:

“I just want PLAY BALL.”

In an interview with Beso, he was asked how he feels about the BPBL. His response was:

“I’m glad that basketball is coming back. Happy that Dr. Gordon (BPBL CEO) and his team are finally doing something so that we can get this ball going again. I’m happy… I’m happy that we have something to do bro, because honestly the weekend they mi dead! Now that basketball is coming back, I am EXCITED RIGHT NOW!”

Brian was also asked how he feels about the format. He said:

“I like it. Dah wah good movement to man (translation: It is a good movement). It’s the first time trying something like this. I hope it goes as planned.”

Brian White has been a Top 5 rebounder in every league he has played in for the past 5 years of professional basketball in Belize. When he was asked how he is getting in shape for the BPBL, his response was:

“I ina the gym right now (translation: I am in the gym right now). I go to the gym; I’m playing ball right now trying to get back in form. By end of year (playoff time) I should be alright.”

If there wasn’t any indication for an itch for basketball, let this be the first public one. Belize is ready to PLAY BALL! Never fear, the BPBL is here. Brian, like many other pro players, is ready to go. The question that remains is…

WHO BESO WA PLAY FAH ?!

by paul flowers jr, bpbl web and social media coordinator

BPBL Announces Three Headed Jaguar Commissioners Office.

BPBL Announces Commissioners’ Office

PHOTO-2025-04-14-13-39-40

Mr. Claudio Leal has been appointed the First Commissioner of the  BPBL.

Following previous announcements that the league would be divided into two divisions, the BPBL is now announcing that each division will be assigned a dedicated deputy commissioner. Each deputy will receive what Belizeans like to say, “a piece ah di pie”(translation: a piece of the pie), in terms of their role in leadership. Both men being Belizean born and basketball raised, the BPBL announces Francis Arzu and Amir Garcia as their Deputy Commissioners.

A word from BPBL's First Commissioner - Mr. Claudio Leal

“I accepted the call to be the first commissioner for the Belize Premier Basketball League, a league which I believe will change and shift the whole understanding of what it means to play professional basketball in Belize. I believe that I will bring a level of high-standards and moral; the commissinor’s office will not compromise on holding the teams to those high-standards. We believe that if we can set the stage for us to use the top performers in our country, we will expand the league to the point where we go international. I truly believe that the possibilities are endless when it comes to basketball in Belize. “

-Claudio Leal

A word from BPBL First Deputy Commissioner - Mr. Francis arzu

“As Deputy Commissioner of the Belize Premier Basketball League, I, Francis Arzu, am honored to serve in a role dedicated to the growth, professionalism, and competitive integrity of basketball in Belize. My responsibilities include supporting league operations, facilitating team and player development, ensuring compliance with league standards, and strengthening community engagement through the sport.

My goal is to help elevate the standard of basketball nationwide by fostering a league that is well-organized, inclusive, and sustainable. I aim to enhance the visibility of Belizean talent, create opportunities for youth participation, and build strong partnerships that will contribute to the long-term success of the league. Through collaboration and commitment, I believe we can continue building a Elite basketball platform that inspires pride both on and off the court.”

-Francis Arzu

A word from BPBL second Commissioner - Mr. amir garcia

“Hi, my name is Amir Garcia from Belize City. I will be filling the role of 2nd Deputy in the commissioner’s office in the league. My delegated role will be to be one of the eyes of the commissioner to ensure smooth running, transparency, and impartiality in the league. I am grateful for this role and position as I bring a wealth of knowledge, love, passion, and teamwork to basketball and the commissioner’s office. I’m looking forward to a great season with clean and highly competitive spirits from the teams.”

-Amir Garcia  

With these two deputies sitting on the wing, the BPBL found it to be crucial that they find a “Floor General”, that can create plays and open lanes for this team so that they can succeed. In their search, the BPBL has appointed Claudio Leal as its league commissioner. 

An Assurance from the Commissioner:

The Belizean public has expressed great concern about the stability of this league and whether district teams would be able to compete or even finish a season. When questioned about these concerns Commissioner Leal says:

“The Belize Premier Basketball League structure and format that is in place will definitely bring a high level of entertainment to each of these districts and communities. We have three new teams [Corozal Cerros Suns, Belize City Thunderbolts, and Belmopan Capital City Kings] this year that brings excitement. People are talking about it from the mere fact that nothing is happening in professional basketball in Belize… Even though Belize city is the hub, we believe that each one of these districts can bring something to the level of basketball in Belize… But the structure and the management team that is in place for the BPBL is the significant difference for this new league. No doubt about that!”

– Claudio Leal

The Belize Premier Basketball League is doing all that it can to create a sustainable league and build responsibly so that the league can last as long as possible with Belizean basketball players as the forefront of the product. League managers believe that this commisioner’s office is the team that will do so. All roads lead to May 16, 2025, for the opening night, and this three headed Jaguar is ready to dominate.

By Paul Flowers JR, BPBL web and social media cordinator

Arik Nicholas

Arik Nicholas says
"I'm Coming home!"

The rumors are true, Belizean born and Punta Gorda raised basketball prodigy Arik “PG Bwai” Nicholas confirms that he will be participating in the 2025 Belize Premier Basketball League season. If you do not know who that is then allow me the courtesy of reminding you:

  • Belize Highschool Nationals MVP 2015
  • Belize Highschool Nationals Most Points 2015
  • Belize Highschool Nationals Most Rebounds 2015
  • Belize Highschool Nationals Most Assists 2015
  • Cal Pac freshman of the year
  • 2x First team all Cal Pac
  • Cal Pac Honorable Mention
  • 2xCal Pac Regular Season Champion
  • 2023 Cal Pac tournament Champion
  • 2024 GSAC regular season Champion
  • 2024 GSAC tournament Champion
  • 2025 NAIA First and Second round champ
  • 2025 NAIA Round of 16 Champ
  • 2025 Elite 8 Champ
  • Made it to the 2025 NAIA Final 4

After having great success on the college level in the United States, the 6’6” Forward has chosen to play his first year as a professional in his home country of Belize.

When asked about his excitement he said:

“I’m ready to hoop! Playing basketball is my passion and playing it at a high-level has blessed me with all my experiences and a bachelor’s degree from an american university. Now I am back home and I have the opportunity to show my talents to the people of my country. Time fi grind and show what ah GOT!” 
– Arik Nicholas

Widely considered to be a Top 3 local prospect in the league this year, and given that he has been spending the last 5 years playing in the U.S., we asked him about how he thinks locals will fare against him, he said:

“They will need to bring it because I’m gonna go ALL OUT!”

The Belize Premier Basketball League welcomes Arik Nicholas with open arms, but the question that stands now is…

WHO WILL HE PLAY FOR ?

by Paul Flowers jr, BPBL Web and social media coordinator

League Structure

BPBL ORGANIZERS ANNOUNCE LEAGUE STRUCTURE

New League, New Structure! As the news swirl in the streets of Belize about the BPBL (Belize Premier Basketball League), the question that prevails to Belizeans and basketball critics country wide is, “How ih wah work?” (translation: how does it work?). Well, to educate the public, the BPBL outlines the following clarification to explain to you all, “How we wah Buss It Up!” (translation: how we built the structure).

The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL), will be comprised of 2 Divisions:

  • The North-South (Toucan) Division, comprised of 4 teams, namely:
    • San Pedro Tiger Sharks
    • EZ Investment Dangriga Dream Ballers
    • Punta Gorda Panthers
    • Corozal Cerros Suns
  • The East-West (Mayan) Division, comprised of 3 teams, namely:
    • Cayo Western Ballaz
    • Belize City Thunderbolts
    • Belmopan Capital City Kings

There will be regular season games in which every team will play against each other for playoff seeding. The #1 seed in each division clinches their spot to play in their respective divisional championship series. The #2 and #3 seed plays in a 3-game series for their spot in their respective divisional championship series. Divisional Championships will be a 3-game series for the Toucan Cup (North-South Division) and the Mayan Cup (East-West Division). Each Divisional Champion wins a cash prize of $5000, and punch their ticket to the League Championship, the Jaguar Cup!

The Jaguar Cup Championship series is a 3-game series where ALL 3 GAMES will be held at a location that will be randomly determined on the Opening Night of each season of the Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL), the first being on May 16, 2025, from a selection of the best wooden court stadiums that the country has to offer, namely:

  • Belize Civic Center in Belize City
  • Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorim in Dangriga
  • Punta Gorda Sporting Auditorium in Punta Gorda

This is done because the organizers of the BPBL are aiming for a Super Bowl-like experience for the host cities and surrounding towns where the series will be held. It is the vision of the BPBL that eventually ALL  DISTRICTS will be able to host the Jaguar Cup and increase the quality of basketball facilities COUNTRY WIDE!

Finally, the winner of the Jaguar Cup will receive a cash prize of $15,000, a Championship Trophy, and 20 Golden rings the commemorate their victory for the players and their organization. 

by paul flowers jr, bpbl web and social media coordinator

Participating Teams

BPBL Organizers Unveils combatants for 2025 season

The highly anticipated new league in Belize (Belize Premier Basketball League) announces the teams that are going to participate in it's inagural season. The list includes 3 established and battle tested franchises like the 3 time NEBL champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks, EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers, and the Cayo Western Ballaz. A revitalized Punta Gorda Panthers, and 3 newcomer franchises in the Belmopan Capital City Kings, Belize City Thunderbolts and the Corozal Cerros Suns. Advertising themselves as a, "Breath of Fresh Air", the Belize Premier Basketball League is hoping to provide the country of Belize with sustainable and responsible growth of Professional Basketball players that are home grown. With the hunger for basketball growing stronger by the day in the country, the Belize Premier Basketball League plans on satisfying that hunger with explosive, high-flying, basketball excitement. The season is set to tip off on May 16, 2025 at the Belize Civic Center.
By Paul Flowers Jr, BPBL Web and Social Media Coordinator