ASEAN Basketball League to return this year in April in Bali, Indonesia after two-year hiatus

The ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) will make its return this year in April in Bali, Indonesia, after a two-year long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of the usual full-fledged 5v5 season, this year’s competition will be made up of two parts: the ABL International Champions 3v3 Cup on Apr 16 and Apr 17, followed by the Pre-Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 5v5 friendly tournament from Apr 19 to Apr 24.

The ABL International Champions 3v3 Cup will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, with more than 20 teams participating in the competition. Teams are also allowed to field a maximum of two import players.

Participants will consist of national teams, ABL teams, and other professional club teams from eight ASEAN countries, including the Singapore Slingers competing in the men’s division and Singapore’s Jumpshot competing in the women’s division.

Endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), winners from the men’s and women’s divisions will win US$10,000 (S$13,607.40) and US$5,000 (S$6,803.70) respectively and earn a place in a Challenger event with chance to a qualify for the FIBA 3v3 World Tour competition. 

The Pre-SEA Games 5v5 friendly tournament will commence on Apr 19, two days after the end of the ABL International Champions 3v3 Cup. The tournament will feature a total of eight teams, and will serve as preparation for the 31st SEA Games for the ASEAN National teams.

The 5v5 tournament will only feature men’s teams, and will include the Singapore national basketball team alongside four other national teams and three club sides.

The Singapore Slingers have commenced training at the OCBC Arena in preparation for the tournament, shifting from individual player development to a focus on preparation for the upcoming competition.