NBL Division One Men’s fixtures restructured

The 2020/21 NBL Division One Men’s fixtures have been adjusted to ensure a more manageable and cost-effective approach for the 14 teams involved. 

The move comes following consultation with the clubs and is in response to the challenging logistical and financial situation presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NBL1 standings will remain calculated and displayed as one table but teams will play the majority of their games based on geographical location.  

Difficult times

This means teams will be divided into two pools – north and south – and play twice against opponents from their own pool (home and away) and once against opponents from the other pool (home or away), reducing travelling. 

Gail Richards, BE Senior Delivery Manager for Leagues, Competitions and Events, said: “We will continue to work closely with the teams ensure the season can be played as safely and competitively as possible during what are clearly difficult times for everyone involved.” 

The newly drafted fixtures have been rescheduled from 28 November onwards, with all games previously postponed this season integrated into the new structure. 

The season will be completed in full by 15/16 May 2021. 

Pools - North and South

Pool A - North  

Bradford Dragons 
Derby Trailblazers 
Leicester Warriors 
Loughborough Riders 
Nottingham Hoods 
Oaklands College 
Team Newcastle University 

Pool B - South 

BA London Lions 
Essex Rebels 
Hemel Storm 
Reading Rockets 
Team Solent Kestrels 
Thames Valley Cavaliers 
Worthing Thunder 

Other details 

• Oaklands College (North Pool) will play crossover fixtures against South Pool opponents first 
• Essex Rebel’s games have scheduled to take place from January onwards because of lack of access to their home facility 
• Some teams have double-header weekends. BE has grouped those travelling further distances to play two away games in a nearby locations with potential for overnight stays to minimise travel 
• Standard game rearrangement rules apply