Who Qualifies to Play in the HBCU Basketball League
The Official Player Eligibility Guide
The HBCU Basketball League (HBCUBL) was created to provide real opportunities for young men seeking to play college basketball at Historically Black Colleges & Universities or pursue professional careers in the United States and internationally. The league is FIBA-sanctioned and operates under a structured eligibility system designed to give every player a fair, organized path to advancement.
To maintain competitive balance, integrity, and the mission of the league, all teams must follow the HBCUBL roster structure. Each roster is composed of 10 players divided into three distinct eligibility groups, each serving a different developmental purpose.
Below is the official breakdown of who qualifies to participate in the HBCU Basketball League.
1. Unsigned High School Players (Ages 16–18)
3 Players Per Team
This category is for young athletes who are talented, motivated, and actively seeking an opportunity to be recruited by an HBCU basketball program.
Who qualifies in this group?
✔ Unsigned high school juniors and seniors
✔ Class of 2026 graduates who have not yet committed to a college
✔ High-level prep school or post-grad players still seeking opportunities
✔ Players who aspire to play college basketball at an HBCU
✔ Players with strong work ethic, raw talent, and development potential
Who does not qualify in this group?
✘ Players already committed to an NCAA, NAIA, or JUCO program
✘ Players currently receiving institutional athletic aid from another school
✘ Players not actively pursuing education or development opportunities
Purpose of this group
- To create a direct recruiting pipeline for HBCU coaches
- To give overlooked or undiscovered players high-level exposure
- To offer structured summer preparation before college
These players benefit from competing against older and more experienced athletes, preparing them for the physicality and speed of college basketball.
2. College-Age Players (Ages 19–22)
4 Players Per Team
This group represents the core developmental stage for athletes preparing for the next step — whether that is joining a college roster, transferring, or preparing for professional opportunities.
Who qualifies in this group?
✔ Current college students at any institution who are not playing on their college basketball team
✔ Students attending HBCUs who want to develop for future roster opportunities
✔ JUCO students not under athletic contract
✔ Students taking a gap year who still want to compete
✔ Athletes who want to keep their eligibility while training in a structured environment
Important Requirement
Players in this group must NOT be officially rostered on another college basketball team during the HBCUBL season.
This protects NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility and aligns with league guidelines.
Purpose of this group
- To develop college-aged players who need exposure and structure
- To maintain academic connection while giving athletes a place to showcase talent
- To allow HBCU coaches to evaluate players who are college-ready
- To support players who still have NCAA eligibility remaining
This group represents the largest pool of unsigned talent in the country — players who simply need opportunity, exposure, and the right platform.
3. Alumni & Adult Players (Ages 23 and Up)
3 Players Per Team
This group is for older athletes who want to pursue professional basketball opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
Who qualifies in this group?
✔ Former HBCU students or alumni
✔ Players who attended any college and have since graduated
✔ Players who previously played college basketball and are seeking pro opportunities
✔ Athletes with international professional goals
✔ Mature players able to contribute leadership, poise, and high-level play
Purpose of this group
- To give older players a path toward FIBA and international professional careers
- To elevate the level of play and leadership within each team
- To maintain a strong competitive balance
- To allow the league to serve as a true professional development platform
Players in this category also help mentor the younger athletes and contribute to the professionalism of the league environment.
League-Wide Eligibility Requirements (All Players)
To participate in the HBCU Basketball League, EVERY player must meet the following baseline criteria:
General Requirements
✔ Must present a valid ID (school ID, driver license, or state ID)
✔ Must sign all league agreements and waivers
✔ Must adhere to the HBCUBL Code of Conduct
✔ Must commit to all games, practices, and team events
✔ Must not be under contract with another professional league during the season
✔ Must not be rostered on an active NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA team
Health & Fitness Requirements
✔ Must be physically able to compete at a high athletic level
✔ Must notify league officials of any injuries or restrictions
✔ Must be cleared by a personal or team physician if required
Who the League Is Designed For
The HBCU Basketball League exists to support:
- Unsigned high school athletes overlooked by major recruiting pipelines
- College students not playing for their school but still seeking opportunities
- HBCU-bound players looking for exposure
- Returning alumni who want a second chance at pro basketball
- Players seeking international professional opportunities
- Athletes who need structured development under FIBA rules
The mission is simple:
Provide access, exposure, and opportunity where traditional systems fall short.
Who Does NOT Qualify
The following individuals are not eligible to participate:
✘ Players currently rostered on NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA basketball teams
✘ Professional players under active contract with another league
✘ Players who refuse to submit required documents
✘ Players who violate league rules, code of conduct, or professionalism standards
✘ Players not willing to travel for road games
✘ Players under disciplinary action from another league
International Player Eligibility
Players born outside the United States may participate if they:
- Provide proper identification
- Submit education or immigration documents if necessary
- Meet all age and category requirements
The league follows FIBA standards for international participation.
Why Our Eligibility System Works
The HBCUBL roster model is intentionally structured to:
✔ Maintain competitive balance
✔ Ensure player development at every age level
✔ Allow HBCUs to scout players efficiently
✔ Protect academic eligibility
✔ Provide a direct path to professional basketball
✔ Support physical, mental, and emotional growth
This three-tiered system is what makes the HBCU Basketball League the first and only true developmental pipeline designed specifically for HBCU recruitment.
Ready to Join the League?
Players interested in joining the HBCU Basketball League should register for a tryout in their city.
Website: thehbcubl.com
Email: info@thehbcubl.com
Instagram: @hbcubasketballleague
Facebook: HBCU Basketball League