The Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) has formally apologized to its members, fans, and stakeholders following the unexpected conclusion of the 2025 First Division League.
The season came to a sudden stop on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Gymnasium after the former champions, NPA Pythons, failed to appear for Game Four of the Best-of-Five Finals against the LPRC Oilers. At that point, the Oilers were leading the series 2-1.
In a statement, the LBA described the Pythons’ absence as “concerning” and noted that the team had not provided any official explanation prior to the no-show.
“While the NPA Pythons have not formally communicated their reasons for missing the game, their failure to appear requires careful attention,” the association said.
Following these developments, the LBA officially named LPRC Oilers as the 2025 First Division League Champions.
The association has also launched a formal inquiry through its Grievance and Ethics Committee to investigate the circumstances behind the disruption. The LBA emphasized that the investigation aims to identify the causes, ensure accountability, and implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
“We are committed to transparency, discipline, and fair play. The investigation will be thorough, and actions will be taken based on its outcomes,” the LBA affirmed.
LBA President Abraham Samukai reiterated the association’s dedication to hosting leagues in full compliance with Liberian basketball rules and regulations.
“Our priority remains strengthening the sport and maintaining trust among all stakeholders. We will continue to organize credible competitions that uphold the integrity of the game,” President Samukai said.
The LBA expressed gratitude to fans and partners for their ongoing support and pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
