National Basketball League (Lithuania)

The National Basketball League (Lithuanian: Nacionalinė krepšinio lyga), also known as NKL, is the second-tier professional basketball league in Lithuania. It is positioned below the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Established in 2005, the NKL serves as a development league for young Lithuanian players and also features veteran players. Many players who have gone on to play in the LKL and internationally have honed their skills in the NKL.

The league consists of a regular season, followed by playoffs. The winner of the NKL playoffs does not automatically get promoted to the LKL. Teams wishing to move to the LKL must meet specific requirements set by the LKL, which often involve financial stability, suitable arena capacity, and meeting other organizational criteria.

The NKL plays an important role in the Lithuanian basketball system, providing opportunities for players, coaches, and referees to develop and gain experience. It also serves as a platform for smaller cities and towns in Lithuania to have a professional basketball team and engage their local communities. The league is governed by its own regulations and bylaws, separate from those of the LKL.