The long-awaited official launch of the Junior Ballers League, or JB League, for the 2026 season is here. This youth basketball league aims to elevate competition standards to match international levels and will kick off competition in the 10- and 11-year-old divisions on 9-10 May 2026.
On 2 May 2026, this season's competition was honored by the strong participation of partners and experts from the sports sector coming together to build a solid foundation for Thai youth, with the goal of creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem from grassroots to professional levels.
Niphon Chaowalitmantian, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, highlighted the league's significance: “On behalf of the Basketball Association of Thailand, I am honored and delighted to witness the collaboration of multiple sectors creating an internationally standardized platform like the JB League. A strong youth league is the key foundation for sustainable growth of Thai basketball.”
“To all athletes, be proud to be part of this league. What I want to emphasize is that winning or losing on the court is only one aspect of competition. More importantly, use this platform to develop your skills, improve your abilities, learn sportsmanship, accept victory and defeat gracefully, forgive, and respect your teammates and opponents.”
Kritikorn Thanamahamongkol, Chairman of the Junior Ballers League organizing committee, shared his vision: “JB League began with recognizing the growing potential of Thai basketball, with increasing competitions and training venues. The key to systemic growth is starting from youth, which led to the decision to create this youth league.”
“I don’t aim to change the structure but see this as providing another quality competition platform for youth to play basketball properly, coached by experienced national-level coaches. Supported by excellent partners, including DBS International School providing facilities and AIS, holder of global sports rights like the NBA, these factors will help the league grow appropriately and reach professional basketball league standards.”
Pacharapol Lantamluang, Manager of AIS SPORT ACADEMY, added on youth potential development: “On behalf of AIS Sport Academy, we don’t only focus on winners receiving trophies but look further to creating space and opportunities for youth to showcase their basketball skills and potential, leading to followers and professionalism in the future.”
“With the strong cooperation and management between AIS Sport Academy and JB League, we believe Thai youth basketball players’ potential will grow rapidly as expected.”
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Toyot Paldechpong, Executive Director of Denla School Group, spoke about the importance of education and sports systems: “In developed countries, student athletes play a crucial role in producing national team players, most coming from high school leagues before advancing to university leagues. Thailand still lacks this structure. For the league to succeed, families focused on proper education and continuous development are essential.”
“On behalf of DBS, we are proud to be part of filling this gap in Thai basketball, enabling its development and growth toward international levels in the future.”
Countdown begins for the most exciting youth basketball competition as fans and interested parties can watch the full live coverage of JB League 2026 season on AMARIN ONLINE starting from 9 May 2026.
Basketball fans and interested individuals can follow news and updates about the competition through the following channels:
Facebook: Junior Ballers League Thailand, Instagram: jbleaguethailand, and TikTok: @jb.league.thailand