DOHA: More than 1,200 young basketball players from across the country have come together at Qatar Foundation’s Education City for the draft marking the third edition of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League.
Organised by Qatar Foundation (QF) in collaboration with the NBA – and supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation – the league will take place at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) from September 25 to November 7, 2026. The draft saw participating teams assigned NBA team names and game schedules before the league tips off.
This season, the league has expanded to three age categories — Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 — giving 80 teams the opportunity to compete, develop their basketball skills, and experience the structure and excitement of an NBA-style league. Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming, Qatar Foundation, Kholoud M. Al-Ali said: “The continued growth of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League reflects the enthusiasm for basketball among young people in the country, and the value of creating opportunities for them to participate in sport within a positive and supportive environment.
“Through our collaboration with the NBA – and with the support of the Qatar Basketball Federation – we are enabling more young players to strengthen their skills, experience the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, and build confidence both on and off the court. With the introduction of a third age category this season, even more young people can be part of this experience.”
Participating teams have been assigned the names of NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The league also features a series of hands-on clinics, including coaching sessions for the participating age groups.
President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, Mohamed Saad Al Meghaiseeb said: “We are proud to celebrate the third consecutive year of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League, which has become one of the most important youth basketball development platforms in the country.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Qatar Foundation has played a vital role in growing the game, creating opportunities for young players to learn, compete, and develop both on and off the court.
“As we continue our developmental strategy, initiatives such as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Qatar League are helping to build a lasting basketball legacy by inspiring the next generation of players, coaches, officials, and fans. We thank Qatar Foundation and the NBA for their continued partnership and commitment to the future of basketball in Qatar.” The league forms part of QF’s wider focus on promoting physical activity among young people in Qatar, highlighting the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development. Through the competition, players will have the opportunity to develop their skills while building relationships with teammates and opponents in a structured sporting environment.
