‘The People’s League’ returns to the court with 40 teams
By THE STAR STAFF
The Puerto Rican Basketball League (LBP by its initials in Spanish) has announced the start of its eighth season, which kicks off this Sunday, Nov. 1.
The season will feature 40 teams from various municipalities across Puerto Rico, a revamped postseason format, and new initiatives aimed at strengthening the organization’s talent pool and level of competition.
Details for the 2026-2027 season were unveiled during a press conference held at the Cooperativa de Seguros Múltiples in San Juan, under the theme “This is The People’s League” (“Esta es La Liga del Pueblo”).
The 40 teams will be divided into four sections -- North, South, East and West -- with 10 teams in each. During the regular season, every team will play 18 games, while the postseason will, for the first time, introduce a “repechage” (play-in/consolation) system, providing additional paths to qualification.
The LBP also held its inaugural Draft Combine and draft process, designed to identify talent and bolster team rosters.
“We have worked to ensure competitive balance -- as we always have -- so that every team can take the court and give 200% for their town,” LBP President William López said.
Tournament Director Jan Carlos Rivera noted that the top two teams from each section will advance directly to the “Sweet 16,” while teams finishing between third and eighth place will compete in qualifying rounds.
“We believe this provides more opportunities for participation,” Rivera said.
The organization also announced updates to officiating, including the use of video review (monitor reviews) and the introduction of a “challenge” system for head coaches, subject to specific regulatory guidelines.
Opening day will feature five games, all tipping off at 7 p.m.: San Juan at Morovis, Aguada at Hormigueros, Villalba at Cayey (in Comerio), Cidra at Aibonito and Carolina at Humacao.
The first official broadcast will take place from Dr. Wilfredo Toro Coliseum in Hormigueros, during the Santeros-Peregrinos game, an event that will also mark the inauguration of the facility’s renovations. Fans can watch the broadcast via the LBP’s official Facebook and YouTube pages.
Additionally, on Friday, Nov. 6, the defending champion Llaneros of Toa Baja will host the Mets of Guaynabo in an event that will include the presentation of championship rings.
