URBO-NKL Championship set for 2026-2027 season with new teams and rule changes

The landscape of the 2026-2027 URBO-NKL championship is taking shape, with 18 clubs confirmed to participate. This season welcomes two new entrants: "Atletas," returning after a two-year hiatus, and a newly formed basketball club from Alytus. These additions join the established teams, promising a competitive season.

Licensing approvals were granted to VšĮ Ukmergės „Krepšinio pulsas“, VšĮ „Šakių krepšinio klubas“, association „Atleto krepšinio centras“, VšĮ „Kėdainių krepšinis“, VšĮ „Neptūno krepšinio klubas“, and VšĮ Alytaus „AKA“. Previously, 12 clubs had already met the league's requirements, including Jurbarko krepšinio klubui „Jurbarkas“, VšĮ „Žalgirio krepšinio centrui“, VšĮ Kauno rajono sporto klubui „BC Omega“, association „Kretingos krepšinio klubas“, Mažeikių „Mažeikiai“, association sporto ir sveikatingumo klubui „Mantinga“, VšĮ „Palangos krepšinis“, VšĮ sporto klubui „Plungės olimpiečiai“, VšĮ „Šilutės sportas“, VšĮ „Telšių krepšinio centras“, Vilkaviškio krepšinio klubui „Perlas“, and VšĮ krepšinio klubui „Perlas“.

The championship is set to tip off on October 1, maintaining the successful format from the previous season. The regular season will consist of two rounds, after which teams will be divided into two groups based on their standings. Playoff series will see quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals played in best-of-three formats, while the round of 16 will be best-of-two.

Significant rule adjustments are also being introduced for the upcoming season. Notably, after specific offensive zone violations, play can be resumed more quickly. The team gaining possession will be able to inbound the ball without needing to pass it to the referee first. This expedited restart rule, however, will not apply in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or during any overtime periods.