London Tier 3 Update, JNBL will commence in January 2021!

Through difficult challenges this year has faced, Brent Bulls have managed to consistently keep the club active, increase participation in the area, fight for members to be engaged and try our best as an organisation to help provide basketball opportunities. With the recent tier structures and Government announcements, our Junior programme has been given good news and the official green light to continue and play competitively in 2021!

This past Wednesday 16th December 2020, London was set to Tier 3 (Very High). With London being under Tier 3, the details of what is allowed for basketball under Sport England, DCMS and governing bodies of sport and competitive basketball across the Government levels as set out below:

Level 2/3 – High/Very High

  • Elite competition and training – BBL, WBBL, NBL Division One, WNBL Division One, U18 Premier Men & Women, EABL, WEABL (RTP Level 2, picture below)
  • Junior competition and training – Jnr. NBL and local league for U18s and younger (RTP Level 2)
  • Educationally based competition and training – Schools, Colleges (AoC sport) incl ABL and Universities (BUCS)
  • Non-elite senior can only train indoors with members of their households or support bubbles. No competition is permitted  

Basketball England has officially stated:

Jnr. NBL action was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.  But, following the return to the three-tier system of restrictions and a period of preparation, fixture schedules have been adjusted to allow the league to restart. 

NBL U12, U14, U16 and U18 leagues will commence from 23/24 January.

Please note
–  No spectators are permitted at games.
– Clubs are not obliged to play and should contact Basketball England if they are uncomfortable or concerned about conditions in their areas.
– In a change to conditions announced previously, players who turn 18 during the season are now able to continue playing in U18 teams and competitions.
– Junior local league partners have the go-ahead to restart to competitions.


It’s most likely the Brent Bulls will have their first-ever club games for JNBL Under-16 Boys and Girls from the 23rd/24th January. Announcements to be sent out soon! This is even better news for our U-18 Men Programme, who are competing in the Community Basketball League for 2021 – this has also been approved by BE as part of Junor local league partners!
📅 Check out our online calendar for all the latest events – click here.

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