BCB Trophy Schedule Released Ahead of the Expanded 2026/27 Competition
15 Jul 2026
The schedule for the 2026/27 British Championship Basketball Trophy has been released, giving fans their first look at the matchups that will open the new season.
After confirmation that the Trophy will expand for the 2026/27 campaign, the fixture release adds another layer of excitement around what is set to be a bigger and more competitive competition. With new teams joining the field, the Trophy now has fresh storylines, new opponents and a wider British basketball feel heading into September.
The action gets underway on Saturday 5 September, with the opening day featuring three fixtures. Oaklands Wolves will face MK Breakers, Newcastle Knights take on Yorkshire Dragons, and Bristol Hurricanes meet Bristol Flyers II.
That opening weekend quickly continues on Sunday 6 September, with several more teams entering the competition. Nottingham Hoods face Derby Trailblazers, Worthing Thunder take on Portsmouth Force, Loughborough Riders meet Hemel Storm, Gloucester Kings face Plymouth Raiders, Reading Rockets play London Cavaliers, and Yorkshire Dragons are back in action against Signs Express Falkirk Fury.
The expanded Trophy format means there are several fixtures that immediately stand out. Gloucester Kings hosting Plymouth Raiders gives two of the new additions an early chance to make a statement, while Cardiff Met Archers enter the schedule later in September with games against Gloucester Kings, Plymouth Raiders, Bristol Hurricanes and Bristol Flyers II.
Falkirk Fury’s return also gives the competition a cross-border edge. Their schedule includes matchups against Yorkshire Dragons, Newcastle Knights, Derby Trailblazers and Nottingham Hoods, giving BCB teams a different challenge and adding another dimension to the group stage.
The South West will also have plenty to follow. Gloucester Kings, Plymouth Raiders, Bristol Hurricanes and Bristol Flyers II are all involved across the September schedule, creating local interest and potential rivalries early in the competition. Fixtures such as Gloucester Kings vs Plymouth Raiders, Bristol Hurricanes vs Gloucester Kings, and Plymouth Raiders vs Bristol Hurricanes should give fans a strong first look at how the new teams settle into the Trophy.
For the established BCB clubs, the schedule provides an early test before the league season begins to take shape. Reading Rockets, Newcastle Knights, City of Birmingham Rockets, Yorkshire Dragons, Worthing Thunder, London Cavaliers and others will all be looking to start strongly and set the tone for the campaign.
The Trophy has always carried a different feel to the regular season. Cup basketball creates pressure quickly, and with the competition now expanded, there is even more room for statement wins, surprise results and early-season momentum.
Last season, City of Birmingham Rockets became the first BCB Trophy champions after defeating Yorkshire Dragons in the final. This year, with more teams involved and a wider pool of opponents, the road to the title looks even more competitive.
For fans, the schedule release is the first real marker that the new season is approaching. The 2026/27 BCB Trophy will bring together teams from across England, Wales and Scotland, creating a competition with more variety, more storylines and more chances for players to make an impact.
With fixtures now confirmed, attention turns to September, where the expanded Trophy will begin and the first chapter of the new BCB season will be written.