Venezuela launches Liga Superior de Baloncesto for local talent

The Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FVB) has officially launched the Liga Superior de Baloncesto (LSB), a new professional circuit designed to provide continuous competition for local players during the second half of the year. The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 25 at the Parque Naciones Unidas in Caracas, featuring an opening match between Cocodrilos de Caracas and Trotamundos de Carabobo.

A defining characteristic of the LSB is its exclusive focus on Venezuelan talent; unlike other circuits, rosters will consist entirely of domestic players. To foster generational renewal, each franchise is required to include at least one Under-21 and one Under-23 player in their squad. FVB President Hanthony Coello noted that the league was created in response to player requests for more playing time and aims to strengthen the national team by addressing the lack of competitions for younger athletes.

The inaugural season will run from September to December and includes 10 participating franchises: Marinos de Anzoátegui, Cocodrilos de Caracas, Guaiqueríes de Margarita, Trotamundos de Carabobo, Gaiteros del Zulia, Pioneros del Ávila, Spartans Distrito Capital, Piratas de La Guaira, Hidrocarburos de Caracas, and one additional club to be confirmed. Matches are expected to be broadcast live via the participating organizations' YouTube channels.