BDL 2025 enters crucial playoff phase

DAR ES SALAAM: AFTER three months of intense round-robin action, the Dar es Salaam Basketball League (BDL) 2025 has officially entered its highly anticipated playoff stage.

The top eight teams from both the men’s and women’s categories have secured their places in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a thrilling battle to crown this year’s champions.

Organised by the Basketball Dar es Salaam Association (BD), the league began in May 2025 with sixteen teams in each category competing in a demanding format where every team played 15 games.

With the regular season now complete, focus shifts to the knockout rounds, which promise even greater intensity and excitement.

BD Technical and Competition Director Haleluya Kavalambi expressed satisfaction with the smooth progress of the league and emphasised the competitiveness expected in the upcoming quarterfinals.

In the women’s category, JKT Stars topped the table with a perfect record—15 wins out of 15 games—securing 30 points. Jeshi Stars followed closely with 29 points, while Don Bosco Lioness rounded out the top three with 27 points.

The final matchday saw City Queens defeat UDSM Queens 51–44, but the victory was not enough to secure a playoff spot. Alongside Kurasini Divas, Mgulani Stars and UDSM Queens, City Queens were eliminated from contention.

As the quarterfinals approach, the top eight women’s teams will face off in best-of-three series starting August 24, with the winners advancing to the next round of the playoffs later in the month.

Vijana Queens will challenge JKT Stars, Pazi Queens will face Jeshi Stars, Polisi Stars will take on Don Bosco Lioness, and Don Bosco Troncatti will meet Tausi Royals.

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The men’s category reflected a similarly high level of competition. Defending champions Dar City completed the regular season unbeaten, claiming the top seed and preparing to face eighthseeded Srelio.

Second-placed Pazi will take on seventh-placed ABC, while JKT, who finished third, will compete against Savio. Newly promoted Stein Warriors, who secured fourth place, will meet fifth-placed UDSM Outsiders.

As with the women’s bracket, winners will progress to Game 2, scheduled between August 25 and 28, with any necessary Game 3 matchups taking place on August 30.