The 2026 FUBA Division One playoffs are set for tip-off and there is a lot of excitement. In contrast to the recent history, there is no team that is head and shoulders above the rest. Most of the teams in the men’s division one and two have looked the same and the ties will be interesting from the quarterfinals.

Men (Bracket)

Both Watoto and Berkley, who got promoted to Division One last year, finished in the top 4. Ihoops, semifinalists in 2025, shocked many as they finished as the number one seed.

Ihoops vs YMCA Hamstars

Ihoops will take on the YMCA Hamstars in the quarterfinals. The Hamstars were boosted by the signing of Christian Ndibu who has been an immense addition for them. However, Ihoops have looked solid throughout the season. Their offense hasn’t been the best but their defense and the ability to finish off games has set them apart.

With Ihoops having reached the semifinals in 2025, they will be looking to make it this stage once again. The YMCA Hamstars will be looking to put up a fight and upset the number one seed.

Watoto vs Entebbe Knight Riders

The Knight Riders have been lukewarm and it is no surprise that they finished with an even, 11-11 record. After their rough start to the season, they picked themselves up and won 4 straight games in the first round. However, that momentum did not carry on and they toiled throughout the season.

After the first round, Watoto had a 6-5 record. However, they dominated in the second round as they went for 9-2, pushing themselves to the number 2 seed with a 15-7 record.

The 2 teams will be looking to fight tooth and nail for a place in the semifinals. Form may not be a factor because both sides have won 3 of their last 5 games but confidence will be key in determining who advances.

Berkley vs Nkumba Marines

At the start of the season, Berkley looked like the team to beat. They came out and made their intentions clear (going to the NBL) and for a moment, they looked like the favorites. However, at the tail end of the first round, they ran out of steam. Despite that, they had an 8-3 record but the situation was different in round two. Berkley lost 5 games in round 2 and they finished with a 14-8 record.

The Nkumba Marines have been in the Division One for a while and every time it looks like they will earn promotion, they fall short.  They finished with an 11-11 record and their season had highs and lows.

For Marines to break the curse and return to the NBL, they must first go past a highly motivated Berkley side. This will be one of the most interesting quarterfinal ties.

Miracle Eagles vs KIU Titans

These 2 teams have been on different trajectories. The KIU Titans were the number one seed after the first round with an 8-3 record. However, the second was a complete disaster. They had a 4-7 record and dropped to fifth place. On the contrary, the Miracle Eagles have been on a rise. They had a 5-6 record in the first round but won 8 of their 11 games in round 2.

With the trajectory of these 2 teams being different, it will be interesting to see how they approach the game and who will advance.

Semifinals

The winner of the game between Ihoops and YMCA will face the winner between the Miracle Eagles and the KIU Titans. The winner between Berkley and Nkumba will face the winner between Watoto and Entebbe Knight Riders.  

The dates for the playoffs are yet to be announced.