MIAMI (United States) – FIBA’s Regional Office in the Americas has announced the creation of the Youth Basketball Champions League Americas (YBCL Americas), an innovative competition set to strengthen the youth basketball ecosystem across the region. This new tournament emerges as a natural extension of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCL Americas), the continent’s premier club competition, and aims to establish a comprehensive platform for the development of young talent in the Americas.
"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Youth BCL Americas, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform youth basketball throughout the Americas zone. Youth BCLA will open doors for emerging talent, providing a clear path for the most promising young players to advance to the professional level. At FIBA, youth development stands as a top strategic priority, so we are dedicating significant resources to this project to ensure its lasting impact and successful outcomes,” said Carlos Alves, CEO of FIBA in the Americas. The Youth BCL Americas is designed to have an organic and sustainable impact on the youth environment, promoting not only the growth of players but also coaches, technical staff, and overall club structures. The initiative seeks to raise development standards through early exposure to high-level international competition. Additionally, the project recognizes the key role played by collaboration between clubs and national federations in the development of basketball in the Americas. This will foster a connection that helps maximize talent from the grassroots level. The inaugural edition is scheduled for September 2026 and will feature clubs from Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Uruguay. The host venue will be announced in the coming months.
FIBA Americas plans to expand the competition in 2027 with the inclusion of more countries and the implementation of a national qualification phase, which will broaden the tournament’s reach and competitiveness. With the launch of Youth BCL Americas, FIBA Americas reaffirms its commitment to the overall development of basketball in the region, investing in the next generation and laying the foundation for sustained growth of the sport. FIBA