Vietnam Basketball Association Launches 2026 Season with Focus on Domestic Talent Development

The Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) officially tipped off its 11th season, VBA 11, on Sunday, March 31, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the sport in Vietnam. The league unveiled plans for the 2026 season at an event held in Ho Chi Minh City, signaling a new chapter in its development after a decade of growth.

This year’s launch also marks a significant media partnership for the VBA, as the league continues to employ a familiar 5×5 home-and-away format for the upcoming season, ensuring a competitive and geographically diverse league structure. Six teams will vie for the championship: Hanoi Buffaloes, Danang Dragons, Nha Trang Dolphins, Ho Chi Minh City Wings, Saigon Heat and Cantho Catfish.

Beyond the on-court action, the VBA is placing a strong emphasis on talent identification, and development. The league announced the “Draft Combine Series 2026,” a comprehensive, four-phase program aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese basketball stars. This initiative underscores the VBA’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of the sport at the grassroots level.

The Draft Combine Series began with a scouting tour of universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, running from March 29th to April 3rd. The goal was to identify potential recruits, who will then progress to the “Rising Camp” from April 6th to 8th for intensive training. Following the camp, the “Combine Challenges” phase, held from April 9th to 11th, will feature individual tests and 3×3 matches to further evaluate the prospects. The series culminates with the VBA Rookie Draft on April 14th, where teams will select players to bolster their rosters for the new season.

The VBA’s theme for the 2026 season, “Inspiring A New Generation,” reflects this ambition. For those unfamiliar with the VBA, the league was established in 2016 and has quickly become the premier professional basketball competition in Vietnam. It’s a crucial platform for showcasing the country’s top talent and attracting aspiring players.

As the league moves forward, the focus on domestic talent development is expected to yield long-term benefits for Vietnamese basketball, potentially strengthening the national team’s prospects in international competitions. The Vietnam men’s national basketball team, governed by the Vietnam Basketball Federation, continues to work toward improving its FIBA ranking, which stood at 133 as of March 3, 2026.

Looking ahead, the VBA will continue to monitor the progress of its development initiatives and adjust strategies as needed to ensure sustainable growth of basketball in Vietnam. Fans can follow the league’s official channels for updates on the Draft Combine Series and the upcoming season.

What are your thoughts on the VBA’s new focus on domestic talent development? Share your comments below and join the conversation about the future of Vietnamese basketball.