IBADAN — The stage is set for another exciting edition of the Dreams Basketball Tournament, with eight teams expected to battle for supremacy at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, from August 11 to 16, 2026.
Following the competitive 2025 edition, anticipation is building as the tournament returns with another blend of established sides, ambitious young teams and university basketball talent. The participating teams are Showtyme Hoopers, Beavers Basketball, Rising Stars, Akure Raiders, University of Ibadan, Vision Sports, Gidi Giants and Delta Force.
The participating teams are scheduled to arrive in Ibadan on Tuesday, August 11, ahead of the commencement of games on Wednesday, August 12.
The tournament is expected to provide another platform for players to test themselves against quality opposition, while giving emerging talents an opportunity to gain valuable competitive experience.
The Dreams Basketball Tournament has, over the years, been positioned not merely as a competition for trophies, but as an avenue for young basketball players to develop their skills, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and compete against players from different backgrounds.
That developmental objective was highlighted ahead of the 2025 edition by tournament host Tunji Soroye, a former basketball player and founder of Just Help Africa. Soroye explained that the tournament was created to help aspiring players improve through competition while providing incentives that could also benefit their families.
Showtyme Hoopers face title defence test
Among the biggest attractions of the 2026 edition will be Showtyme Hoopers, who enter the tournament as the defending champions.
Showtyme’s pedigree in the competition will add an extra layer of pressure to their campaign, with every opponent likely to view the defending champions as the team to beat.
Their 2025 campaign underlined their competitive strength. They defeated Ebun Comets 78–71 in the semifinals to book a place in the final against the University of Ibadan.
With the likes of Beavers Basketball, Rising Stars, Akure Raiders, Vision Sports, Gidi Giants and Delta Force joining the University of Ibadan in this year’s field, Showtyme will have little room for complacency.
University of Ibadan among teams to watch
The University of Ibadan will also command attention after reaching the 2025 final.
UI produced one of the standout semifinal performances of last year’s tournament, overcoming Deep Bond 79–72 to secure their place in the championship game.
Their return gives the tournament another team with recent experience of playing on the biggest stage, and they will be eager to go one step further this time.
A tournament built for development
Beyond the race for the championship, the Dreams Basketball Tournament continues to serve an important role in grassroots basketball development.
The 2025 edition brought together teams from different parts of southwestern Nigeria, creating an environment where experienced players and emerging talents could compete, learn and showcase their abilities.
The 2026 lineup expands that competitive mix, with teams from Ibadan, Abeokuta, Lagos, Akure and other locations converging on the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
That geographical spread should produce a variety of playing styles and make the tournament particularly interesting for basketball followers in Ibadan.
One thing is certain: with eight teams, a championship at stake and a developmental mission at its heart, the 2026 Dreams Basketball Tournament is set to deliver another week of competitive basketball in Ibadan.
