Venezuela plans new basketball league to develop local talent

Venezuela is developing a new basketball competition titled ‘Copa Venezuela Renace’, aimed at strengthening domestic talent and maintaining player fitness ahead of international commitments. The initiative involves 10 teams divided into two conferences: the Central Conference, featuring teams such as Gaiteros del Zulia and Cocodrilos de Caracas, and the Eastern Conference, including Guaiqueríes de Margarita and Marinos de Anzoátegui.

Officials, including Sports Minister Franklin Cardillo and Venezuelan Basketball Federation President Hanthony Coello, met to discuss the tournament's format and schedule. The competition is tentatively planned to run from September to December, serving as a bridge to the Professional Basketball Superleague scheduled for 2027.