HISTORIC FIRST: Professional Basketball League Invites Fans to “Name The League”
HISTORIC FIRST: Professional Basketball League Invites Fans to “Name The League”
USBL Launches Unprecedented Nationwide Contest as Eight Teams Seek New Identity
Washington, DC – February 5, 2026 – In a groundbreaking move never before seen in professional sports, the United States Basketball League (USBL) today announced the launch of “Name The League,” a nationwide contest giving fans the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rename an entire professional basketball league.
While individual sports franchises have held “Name The Team” contests, this marks the first time in history that fans will have the power to name an entire professional league.
“This is truly unprecedented,” said a league spokesperson. “We want to come up with a name that captures the essence of who we are – community-focused, high-level, entertaining basketball. Who better to help us achieve that than the fans themselves?”
The contest is open to fans across all eight USBL markets – Baltimore Rhythm, Capital Seahawks, Frederick Flying Cows, Jersey Shore Breaks, New York Phoenix, Reading Rebels, San Diego Sharks, and Virginia Valley Vipers – as well as basketball enthusiasts nationwide.
How It Works:
Submission Period: February 5-19, 2026
Where to Submit: www.nametheleague.com or Instagram @nametheleague
Selection Process: The league will select the top 8 names (one from each team market)
Fan Voting: February 21 – March 4, 2026
Big Reveal: The new league name and logo will be unveiled at the season opener on March 6, 2026
Prizes:
Top 8 Finalists: Two season tickets for two years to the team of their choice
Grand Prize Winner: Two free tickets for life to any league game in any market
The rebranding effort comes as the league seeks to modernize its identity and distance itself from a previous iteration of the USBL that existed in the 1990s. Today’s league is committed to two primary goals: providing the highest level of professional basketball in the USA outside of the NBA, and delivering exciting, family-oriented community entertainment.
“The USBL name comes from another era,” said team owner Tayvon Jackson. “What we are building today deserves a brand that matches our vision, our enerty, and our future. Opportunities like this don’t come often – this is about creating something that lives far beyond today.”
Players are thrilled with the initiative and the opportunity to engage with fans new and old alike.
“I’ve been playing in this league for the last three years, and this is so exciting to me as a player. I can’t wait to see the creativity of our amazing fans be unleashed,” said Shadell Millinghaus, former league MVP and current leader of the New York Phoenix.
Millinghaus’s sentiment was echoed by Frederick, MD native, former Bucknell and Euroleague standout Zach Thomas, who has played in numerous leagues around the world and is entering his first year in the league after recently spending time with the coaching staff of the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. “I can’t wait to get back on the court, compete against the amazing talent our league has to offer, and engage with our local communities. The family-first orientation of this league is special and unlike anything I have seen in any other league around the world.”
“I’ve been a part of a championship team in this league and I’ve coached guys who went on to play in the NBA. I can’t wait to see what kind of a name our fans come up with that will represent the incredible level of basketball that is played night-in and night-out in our league,” said Ed Corporal, the longest-tenured and former champion head coach of the Virginia Valley Vipers.
Fans are encouraged to be creative and imaginative in their submissions. Whether inspired by the league’s commitment to excellence, its family-first values, or its coast-to-coast footprint spanning from San Diego to New York, all ideas are welcome.
For more information about the contest, visit www.nametheleague.com or email info@nametheleague.com.
About the United States Basketball League: The USBL is a professional basketball league featuring eight teams across the United States, from Baltimore to San Diego. Committed to delivering premier basketball and exceptional family entertainment, the league launches its current season March 6, 2026.
