Lebanese Basketball League
The Lebanese Basketball League, officially known as the Decathlon Lebanese Basketball League for sponsorship reasons, is the top-tier professional men's basketball competition in Lebanon. Organized by the Lebanese Basketball Federation (LFB), the league serves as the pinnacle of the country's basketball pyramid, crowning a national champion through a rigorous season and playoff system.
With a rich history and a passionate fanbase, the league is a cornerstone of Lebanese sports, featuring a mix of historic clubs and emerging teams. Currently, the league consists of 12 teams, with a significant concentration of six clubs based in the capital city of Beirut.
Key Facts
- Governing Body: Lebanese Basketball Federation (LFB).
- Founded: 1951 (Current professional format established in 1992).
- Current Champions: Al Riyadi (39th title, 2025–26).
- Most Successful Club: Al Riyadi with 39 championships.
- League Structure: 12 teams competing in a round-robin format followed by playoffs.
- Confederation: FIBA Asia.
History and Evolution
The roots of organized basketball in Lebanon date back to the 1950s, with the first season taking place in 1951–52. However, the league's progress was interrupted by the Lebanese Civil War. It wasn't until 1992 that the competition was reformed into the fully professional format seen today.
The late 1990s marked a golden era for Lebanese basketball on the international stage. In 1998, Sporting Club (Al Riyadi) secured third place in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup. That same year, Sagesse won the Arab Club Championship in Beirut, marking the first time a Lebanese team captured an Arab basketball trophy. This momentum continued in 1999 when Hekmeh (Sagesse) won the Arab Club Championship again and became the first Lebanese and Arab team to win the Asian cup.
A highlight of the league's promotional history occurred during the 1999 season inauguration, which featured a high-profile exhibition game between the Harlem Globetrotters and a Lebanese All-stars team comprising players from Sagesse, Riyadi, Tadamon, and Rosaire.
League Structure and Competition
The league operates as the first division of Lebanese basketball. To maintain competitiveness, a system of promotion and relegation is in place: the team finishing last in the first division is relegated to Division 2, while the winner of the Second Division's play-off system is promoted to the top flight.
The competition follows a round-robin format, meaning every team plays every other team once at home and once away. Following the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs. The postseason is structured as follows:
- Quarterfinals: Best-of-five series.
- Semifinals: Best-of-five series.
- Finals: Best-of-seven series to determine the league champion.
Current Teams and Venues (2025–26)
The 2025–26 season features 12 competing clubs. The league's infrastructure varies from intimate community arenas to larger stadiums, with Sagesse boasting the largest capacity venue.
| Team | City | Arena | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Riyadi | Beirut | Saeb Salam Arena | 2,500 |
| Antranik | Antelias | AGBU Demirdjian Center | 2,000 |
| Antonine | Baabda | Antonine Arena | 1,000 |
| Beirut Club | Beirut | Chiyah Stadium | 2,500 |
| Champville Maristes | Dik El Mehdi | Champville Club Center | 3,500 |
| Club Central Jounieh | Jounieh | Club Central | 1,000 |
| Club Jeunesse Sportif Batroun | Batroun | Batroun Sports Club | ? |
| Homenetmen Beirut | Mezher | Adom & Sella Tenjukian stadium | 1,000 |
| Hoops Club | Beirut | Rockland Arena | 1,500 |
| NSA | Jounieh | Fouad Chehab Stadium | 1,200 |
| Sagesse | Ghazir | Antoine Choueiri Stadium | 5,000 |
| Tadamon Hrajel | Zouk Mikael | Kahraba Zouk Club Stadium | 1,000 |
Championship Legacy and Rivalries
Al Riyadi stands as the most dominant force in the league's history, holding a record 39 titles. Sagesse follows as a major power with 8 championships, particularly dominating the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The league is defined by intense rivalries, most notably the Beirut derby between Al Riyadi and Sagesse Club. Other significant matchups include Al Riyadi vs. Champville and Homenetmen Beirut vs. Al Riyadi, which often draw large crowds and high emotional stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most successful team in the Lebanese Basketball League?
Al Riyadi is the most successful club, having won a record 39 championships, including the 2025–26 title.
How does the promotion and relegation system work?
The team that finishes last in the first division is relegated to Division 2. Conversely, the winner of the Second Division's play-off system is promoted to the first division for the following season.
What is the format of the league playoffs?
The top eight teams enter the playoffs. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played as best-of-five series, while the final is a best-of-seven series.
Which team has the largest home arena?
Sagesse has the largest arena among the current teams, with the Antoine Choueiri Stadium seating 5,000 spectators.
What international competitions do Lebanese teams participate in?
Teams may compete in the Basketball Champions League Asia, the FIBA West Asia Super League, and the Arab Club Basketball Championship.