Namibia launches first NBA2K26 national qualifiers
Esports
Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF) and Namibian Electronic Sports Association (NESA), in partnership with Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), have launched Namibia’s first-ever official NBA2K26 (National Basketball Association 2K video game series) National Qualifier tournament.
The groundbreaking competition offers Namibian e-athletes a direct pathway to represent the country at the eFIBA Africa Regional Qualifiers and potentially the eFIBA World Finals in Doha, Qatar, next year.
Taking place from 29 to 30 November, the tournament is part of MTC NamLAN 2025 and features a total prize pool of N$17 500. It marks the first time a traditional Namibian sports federation has officially partnered with the esports community to create an international competitive pathway.
Historic moment for Namibian esports
NBF president Nigel Mubita described the initiative as a historic moment for the country’s basketball and esports.
“Just as we've supported traditional basketball players in their journey to represent Namibia internationally, we now extend that same support to esports athletes. The skills required in NBA2K26, such as strategy, teamwork, court vision and decision-making, mirror the qualities we value in basketball.”
Tournament structure and format
The competition will feature a hybrid format, combining online and in-person play:
Qualifiers (29 November): Teams compete from home or in person at Vanir in NBA2K26’s Pro-Am 5v5 mode
Offline grand finals (30 November): Top two teams battle in person at Vanir Micro Sports Centre in Windhoek
Teams consist of five to seven players. The tournament follows official eFIBA regulations, ensuring international competitive standards.
Prize distribution
1st place: N$10 000 plus qualification to eFIBA Africa Regional Qualifiers
2nd place: N$5 000
3rd place: N$2 500
Significance for Namibian sports
The partnership represents a significant evolution in how traditional sports federations engage with emerging competitive platforms. eFIBA, operated under FIBA’s sanctioning, has grown rapidly since its inception, with over 50 countries now participating in official NBA2K competitions.
NESA president Flip de Bruyn said esports is no longer just gaming, but a legitimate competitive arena with structure, governance and international recognition.
“By partnering with the Namibian Basketball Federation, we are creating sustainable pathways for Namibian youth to compete at the highest levels of international esports,” he said.
Registration and eligibility
Registration is open at https://forms.gle/PsAEQu3Mn4bgX1Zf7 and closes on 27 November at 23:59.
Participants must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Hold Namibian citizenship.
Be registered members of both NESA and NBF.
Own a PlayStation 5 with NBA2K26 and a PlayStation Plus subscription
Tournament director Andra van Schalkwyk said they expect strong participation from across the country.
“This is an opportunity for gamers to not just compete, but to represent their country on a global stage.”
The groundbreaking competition offers Namibian e-athletes a direct pathway to represent the country at the eFIBA Africa Regional Qualifiers and potentially the eFIBA World Finals in Doha, Qatar, next year.
Taking place from 29 to 30 November, the tournament is part of MTC NamLAN 2025 and features a total prize pool of N$17 500. It marks the first time a traditional Namibian sports federation has officially partnered with the esports community to create an international competitive pathway.
Historic moment for Namibian esports
NBF president Nigel Mubita described the initiative as a historic moment for the country’s basketball and esports.
“Just as we've supported traditional basketball players in their journey to represent Namibia internationally, we now extend that same support to esports athletes. The skills required in NBA2K26, such as strategy, teamwork, court vision and decision-making, mirror the qualities we value in basketball.”
Tournament structure and format
The competition will feature a hybrid format, combining online and in-person play:
Qualifiers (29 November): Teams compete from home or in person at Vanir in NBA2K26’s Pro-Am 5v5 mode
Offline grand finals (30 November): Top two teams battle in person at Vanir Micro Sports Centre in Windhoek
Teams consist of five to seven players. The tournament follows official eFIBA regulations, ensuring international competitive standards.
Prize distribution
1st place: N$10 000 plus qualification to eFIBA Africa Regional Qualifiers
2nd place: N$5 000
3rd place: N$2 500
Significance for Namibian sports
The partnership represents a significant evolution in how traditional sports federations engage with emerging competitive platforms. eFIBA, operated under FIBA’s sanctioning, has grown rapidly since its inception, with over 50 countries now participating in official NBA2K competitions.
NESA president Flip de Bruyn said esports is no longer just gaming, but a legitimate competitive arena with structure, governance and international recognition.
“By partnering with the Namibian Basketball Federation, we are creating sustainable pathways for Namibian youth to compete at the highest levels of international esports,” he said.
Registration and eligibility
Registration is open at https://forms.gle/PsAEQu3Mn4bgX1Zf7 and closes on 27 November at 23:59.
Participants must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Hold Namibian citizenship.
Be registered members of both NESA and NBF.
Own a PlayStation 5 with NBA2K26 and a PlayStation Plus subscription
Tournament director Andra van Schalkwyk said they expect strong participation from across the country.
“This is an opportunity for gamers to not just compete, but to represent their country on a global stage.”
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