The National Women Basketball League, known as Zenith NBBF Women Basketball League for sponsorship reasons, is the top-level women's basketball club competition in Nigeria. It is the women's version of Nigeria Premier League organized by the Nigeria Basketball Federation. The league also determines the Nigerian representatives at FIBA Africa Women's Clubs Champions Cup.
History The league started with five teams, however the number grew to eighteen by 2017. The league has been sponsored by Zenith Bank since 2004. In 2017, after the expiration of the contract agreement between NBBF and Zenith Bank, the banking institution renewed the terms of the negotiation with bigger winning bonus for the winning teams. The 2026 winner of the league received a ₦7.5m prize money.
The league was suspended for 3 years after the 2019 season, the first two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2022 due to a disputed election within the Nigeria Basketball Federation. The league resumed in August 2023, with MFM Queens winning the title in late October. They retained the title in 2024 but took bronze in 2025, with Dolphins emerging Champions after defeating First Bank in a pulsating final.
MFM Queens reclaimed the title in the 2026 season edging First Bank in a thrilling overtime final 66-64 for their 3rd Win in four years.
Players in the league are semi-pro, with most receiving an average stipend.
Teams The following are the Fourteen teams that participate in the 2026 ZNWBL Season: TeamLocation First Deepwater Lagos Nigeria Customs Abuja Elephant Girls (aka First Bank) Lagos MFM Queens Lagos Royal Aces Abuja Air Warriors Abuja IGP Queens Lagos Plateau Rocks Plateau State Victoria Queens Abuja Dolphins Lagos Bayelsa Blue Whales Yenagoa Aso Sky Queens Abuja Nasarawa Amazons Nasarawa State Titans Abuja
List of winners YearWinnerRunner-upRef2026MFM QueensFirst Bank 2025 Dolphins First Bank 2024 MFM Queens Nigeria Customs 2023 MFM Queens Nigeria Customs 2019 Air Warriors MFM Queens 2018 First Bank First Deepwater 2017 First Bank First Deepwater 2016 First Bank Dolphins 2015 Dolphins First Bank 2014 First Bank Dolphins 2013 First Deepwater Dolphins 2012 First Deepwater First Bank 2011 First Deepwater First Bank 2010 First Deepwater First Bank 2009 First Bank First Deepwater 2008 First Bank Dolphins 2007 First Bank Dolphins 2006 First Bank Dolphins 2005 First Bank Dolphins
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