Basketball Federation of PNG to host National Trials

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) announced that it would stage the Open Men’s and Women’s National Trials, scheduled for 24-27 November 2026 in Port Moresby. 

BFPNG President David Peter confirmed that after the conclusion of the regional championships and the PNG Games’ cancellation, the governing body is ready to stage the national trials. 

“Since our trials have been delayed as we waited for all regional championships to be completed, as well as the PNG Unity Games to confirm their cancellation, we have now decided to host the national trials from 24 to 27 November 2026 in Port Moresby,” he explained. 

“Regions are asked to submit their male and female players and officials' lists for the national trials. The names of the players and officials are to be submitted by 7th November 2026.”

President Peter clarified that while the federation will cover the operational costs of running the event, all travel expenses, including airfares, accommodation, and transportation, will be covered by the participating teams. 

The president revealed that after the national trials, a select side would be announced for overseas friendly games in preparation for the Pacific Games in 2027. 

“A short list of male and female players will be announced after the trials, and these players will play some matches with teams in Queensland,” Mr. Peter said. 

“The PNG heritage or representative players based in Australia and other countries will be invited to participate, and a final train-on squad for the Pacific Games will be finalized.

“The vision for our strategic plan 2025-2028 is to be the best in the Pacific, and the Pacific Games is an important milestone for us. 

“The players identified through the selection process will be kept in the elites' database for trialing purposes for representative games.”