National league basketball returning to Mayo this year

National league basketball is returning to Mayo. Basketball Ireland has today confirmed the clubs that will compete in the new eight-team men's Division Two next season, and Ballina Braves are among them.

Joining them are Athlone BC, Cavan Eagles, Dublin Raiders (based in Bray), Fr. Mathews (Cork), Ongar Chasers (Dublin), Team Northwest (Ballyshannon) and Trinity BC (Dublin).

Division Two will run in a straight league format and the team who finishes top will be promoted to the Domino’s Men’s Division One.

Fixtures for the new National League season will be released in mid-July, with the season starting from October 2-4.

Reacting to the news, Ballina Braves chairperson Kevin McHale said: “We are delighted to be back in the National League. We have been scaling the club over the last couple of years, competing in the Under 20 National League and Basketball Ireland Development League (BIDL), and we feel the time is now to get back to the National League. We are delighted to be accepted back in.”

Ballina won the MSL National Cup in 1990/91 and 1995/96 and a men’s Super League title in 1991/92. The team will be coached by Paul Barrett.

In further reaction on their Facebook page, the club said: “This achievement belongs to every player, coach, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who has helped build our club over the years. We've come a long way, but this is only the beginning.”

In other changes at national level, Tralee Warriors and Ongar Chasers will enter into Domino’s Women’s Division One for the first time, making it a 12-team league for the 2026/27 season.