NKL (Lithuania) 2026/27

The National Basketball League operates as the second tier of professional basketball in Lithuania. It sits directly below the top-flight Lietuvos krepšinio lyga, creating a clear pathway for clubs seeking promotion. The competition is organized by the Lithuanian Basketball Federation and was founded in 2005 to replace the previous second-division league, the Lietuvos Krepšinio A Lyga.

Teams compete in a round-robin format during the regular season, playing each opponent twice. The structure aims to identify the strongest sides for the postseason. The top teams advance to playoffs, which typically begin with quarterfinals played as best-of-three or best-of-five series. Semifinals and a final determine the winner.

Promotion to the top flight is not automatic. The NKL champion may apply to move up, provided they meet specific licensing requirements regarding budget and infrastructure. These criteria often include an arena capacity of at least 500 to 1,000 seats. If the champion does not qualify or opts out, the spot may remain vacant or pass to the runner-up. Relegation into the NKL from the LKL is automatic for the team finishing last in the top flight.

BC Sūduva-Mantinga stands as the most successful club in the league’s history with five titles. Other frequent winners include BC Neptūnas-Akvaservis with three championships. The competition serves as a primary development ground for the LKL, featuring reserve teams from top clubs alongside ambitious regional sides. The league has undergone various name changes due to sponsorship, currently operating under the URBO-NKL brand for the 2025–26 season.