ISTANBUL, Turkey – İstanbul Utku secured the 2025-2026 Kadınlar Bölgesel Basketbol Ligi (KBBL) championship on Tuesday, defeating Konya Basket 60-56 in a tightly contested final at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi. The victory earns İstanbul Utku and Konya Basket promotion to the Halkbank Türkiye Kadınlar Basketbol Ligi for the 2026-2027 season.
The championship game, played on March 13, 2026, drew the attention of Türkiye Basketbol Federasyonu (TBF) officials, who were present to witness the culmination of the regional league season. İstanbul Utku completed a remarkable run through the playoffs, ultimately overcoming a determined Konya Basket squad.
Close Contest Decided in Final Minutes
The final was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. İstanbul Utku ultimately prevailed, showcasing resilience and clutch play in the closing minutes. The final score of 60-56 reflects the competitive nature of the match. While detailed game statistics weren’t immediately available, the result confirms İstanbul Utku’s status as the top team in the KBBL this season.
TBF Officials Present Awards
Following the game, the awards ceremony recognized the achievements of both teams and individual players. Dr. Gülşah Akkaya, a member of the TBF Yönetim Kurulu (Board of Directors), presented the championship trophy to İstanbul Utku. Players from the winning team received their medals from TBF Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Ali Türkmen and TBF Genel Sekreteri (General Secretary) Dr. Serhan Antalyalı.
Konya Basket, despite the loss, was also honored for their strong performance throughout the season and their appearance in the final. TBF Sportif Direktörü (Sportive Director) Alper Yılmaz presented the second-place shield to Konya Basket. Medals for Konya Basket players were presented by Kadın Ligleri ve KBSL Müdürü (Women’s Leagues and KBSL Manager) Esra Erden Atacan and TKBL-KBBL Yönetmeni (TKBL-KBBL Manager) Ozan Yıkılmaz.
Nihal Güngör Yıldırım Named MVP
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the final game was presented to Nihal Güngör Yıldırım of İstanbul Utku. Dr. Serhan Antalyalı, the TBF General Secretary, presented the award, recognizing Yıldırım’s outstanding contribution to her team’s championship victory. Details regarding Yıldırım’s specific performance statistics were not immediately released.
Promotion to Türkiye Kadınlar Basketbol Ligi
The KBBL playoff final result carries significant implications for both İstanbul Utku and Konya Basket. Their success guarantees them a place in the Halkbank Türkiye Kadınlar Basketbol Ligi for the 2026-2027 season, the top-tier women’s basketball league in Turkey. This promotion represents a major step forward for both clubs, providing them with the opportunity to compete against the nation’s elite teams. The TBF confirmed the promotion following the conclusion of the final.
What’s Next for İstanbul Utku and Konya Basket?
Both İstanbul Utku and Konya Basket will now begin preparations for their debut season in the Halkbank Türkiye Kadınlar Basketbol Ligi. The schedule for the 2026-2027 season has not yet been released, but fans can expect further announcements from the TBF in the coming months. The teams will likely focus on strengthening their rosters and adapting their strategies to compete at the highest level of Turkish women’s basketball. The league’s official website, tbf.org.tr, will be the primary source for updates on the schedule, standings, and team news.
This championship victory marks a significant milestone for İstanbul Utku, while Konya Basket’s runner-up finish and subsequent promotion represent a commendable achievement. Both teams have demonstrated their talent and dedication throughout the KBBL season, and their entry into the Türkiye Kadınlar Basketbol Ligi promises to add excitement and competition to the league in the years to arrive.
