ABA League postpones start of ABA and ABA 2 seasons
Decision taken 24 September 2026 after 11 votes in favour; opening round scheduled for 25 September postponed amid referee-selection dispute.
The ABA League has announced that the opening round of the new season in both the ABA League and ABA 2 League will be postponed. The decision was taken at a meeting of league members on 24 September 2026, with 11 votes in favour and one abstention.
The first games had been scheduled to start on 25 September 2026, but the competition will not begin according to the original calendar after a series of disagreements over the organization of refereeing.
Referee selection problems cited
The league's statement did not list detailed reasons for the postponement, but ABA previously reported difficulties connected to the appointment of referees. According to that account, 50 referees applied to the selection process and a shortlist of 20 candidates was produced.
Several referees later withdrew their availability after receiving messages from an address that, ABA says, used the league's name unlawfully. The league has announced that it intends to pursue legal steps related to the matter.
At this time no new date has been set for the first-round fixtures. ABA officials said the public will be informed in due course about how and when the season will resume.
Photo: Zafer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
