BASKETBALL NSW JUNIOR 2026 SEASONS TIP-OFF

Competitions
Written by Caleb Fogarty
12 February, 2026

Basketball NSW would like to extend the best of luck to all junior teams tipping off their 2026 Waratah seasons in the coming weeks.

The Western Junior League (WJL) begins this weekend, while the North-Eastern Junior League (NEJL), Junior Premier League (JPL), Metro Junior League (MJL), Southern Junior League (SJL), and Eastern Junior League (EJL) will commence throughout February and March. Draws for the EJL and NJL competitions will be released in the coming weeks.

PRE-SEASON, SEASON & FINALS START DATES:

JPL
Pre-Season: 31st January
Season begins: 28th March
Playoffs begins: 1st – 2nd August

WJL
Season begins: 7th February
Playoffs begins: 2nd – 3rd May

MJL
Pre-Season begins: 14th February
Season begins: 15th March
Playoffs begins: 19th July

NEJL
Season begins: 7th March
Playoffs begins: 25th – 26th July

SJL
Season begins: 7th March
Playoffs begins: 27th – 28th June

NJL –
Season begins: 14th March
Playoffs begins: 25th – 26th July

EJL –
Season begins: 14th March
Playoffs begins: 25th – 26th July

As teams prepare for the year ahead, Basketball NSW looks forward to another exciting season of junior competition across the state, showcasing the talent of our young athletes, coaches, and officials.

To help players get a feel for the official Wilson game ball for the 2026 season, Basketball NSW game balls are available for purchase here.

Make sure you download Basketball Connect for ongoing access to your league’s draw. For additional information, please visit the Waratah page on our website.

We wish all participants a successful season and thank our associations, volunteers, referees, and supporters for their continued contribution to basketball in New South Wales.