Kathmandu: Nepal Basketball Association  (NeBA) has announced to organise Himalayan Java Basketball League (HJBL) featuring six teams starting on May 3.

Organising a press conference in the capital on Thursday, NeBA president Bhim Singh Gurung said that the double round robin league will be held at the outdoor court of the National Sports Council (NSC).

The event being held in collaboration with Himalayan Java will see participation of Times Club, Hounds Club, Golden Gate International Club, Royals, Kirtipur Basketball Club and Samakhusi Club.

The League will run for six weeks, with games taking place on weekends—every Saturday and Sunday. Depending on weather conditions, the matches could also be scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Gurung added.

“Though we had initially planned a home-and-away format, we decided to use a single venue due to unpredictable weather conditions. NSC Indoor covered halls and Kirtipur hall could be used as alternatives,” Gurung said.

There will be 30 games in the double round-robin phase, followed by finals comprising top two sides of leagues stage. The finals will consist of two playoff games

Gurung further added that NeBA and Himalayan Java have already signed an MoU for the event. “We are launching this weekend league on a trial basis for the development of Nepali basketball, players, and fans,” Gurung said.

“We have plans to expand it depending upon the League’s success. We are hopeful that the League will be a great opportunity for players and basketball enthusiasts to watch quality games,” he added.

The estimated budget of the League is Rs 1.5 million.