The Puerto Rican Basketball League (Liga de Baloncesto Profesional, LBP) has announced the start of its eighth season, which will begin on Sunday, November 1. The 2026‑2027 season will feature 40 teams from municipalities across Puerto Rico, divided into four geographic sections—North, South, East, and West—with 10 teams in each section. During a press conference held at the Cooperativa de Seguros Múltiples in San Juan, the league introduced a revised postseason format that includes a “repechage” or play‑in system. The top two teams from each section will qualify directly for the “Sweet 16,” while teams finishing third through eighth will compete in qualifying rounds. The LBP also announced its inaugural Draft Combine and draft process to strengthen team rosters. LBP President William López said the league has worked to ensure competitive balance so that every team can represent its community. Tournament Director Jan Carlos Rivera added that the new format provides more opportunities for participation. The regular season will consist of 18 games per team. Officiating updates include the use of video review and a challenge system for head coaches, subject to regulatory guidelines. Opening day will feature five games, all starting at 7 p.m.: San Juan vs. Morovis, Aguada vs. Hormigueros, Villalba vs. Cayey (Comerio), Cidra vs. Aibonito, and Carolina vs. Humacao. The first official broadcast will be from the Dr. Wilfredo Toro Coliseum in Hormigueros during the Santeros–Peregrinos game, which will also mark the inauguration of the facility’s renovations. Fans can watch the broadcast on the LBP’s official Facebook and YouTube pages. On Friday, November 6, the defending champion Llaneros of Toa Baja will host the Mets of Guaynabo in a game that will include the presentation of championship rings.
Article source: San Juan Daily Star | Image credit: San Juan Daily Star