TBS District 2026: Everything ready for the start of the Golden Jubilee of superior basketball
The 50th edition of the Superior Basketball Tournament of the National District (TBS Distrito 2026) is just around the corner, and the eight participating clubs have already made their coaches official for this historic championship. The competition, which marks the Golden Anniversary of the event, will raise the curtain next Tuesday, September 15, at the BanReservas Arena, formerly the Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace.
Continuity and experience on the benches
Stability will be a predominant note in several of the league’s most competitive teams. Three prominent managers have been confirmed to repeat at the helm of their squads:
- Melvyn López: He will seek to extend the Mauricio Báez dynasty, a team he has led to three consecutive titles (2023, 2024, and 2025). If they win the championship, the Villa Juana club would become the all-time leader with 11 crowns.
- Julio Duquela: He remains at the helm of the Bameso club following his tenure last season.
- Carlos Payano: He will continue to coach Los Prados, maintaining the organization’s trust.
On the other hand, Rafael Barias has ratified José “Pancho” Fortuna, who demonstrated his ability by taking over the team with an adverse record in 2025 and successfully leading them to qualify for the playoffs.
New challenges and strategic returns
The rest of the clubs have opted to refresh their technical structures for this historic tournament:
- Yoel Feliz: Takes the reins of the San Carlos club.
- Carlos Medina: The coach from La Romana takes control of Huellas del Siglo.
- Abraham Disla: Returns to lead El Millón after a period of absence.
- Giovanny Valdez: The former national team member will debut as manager of the San Lázaro club, an institution with which he has maintained a lifelong bond.
Opening and organization calendar
The opening day promises intense emotions, with the duel between the 2025 finalists: Mauricio Báez and San Carlos, scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th at 8:00 p.m. The action will continue on Wednesday the 16th with the matchup between Bameso and El Millón at 7:30 p.m.
The 2026 TBS District is a transcendental event for Dominican sports. Organized by the National District Basketball Association (Abadina), presided over by Edwin Castillo, and supported by the Organizing Committee led by Minister Andrés Bautista, this edition promises to elevate the level of basketball in the capital to its highest expression.
Alofoke DeportesThe tournament, which features professor Nelson Ramírez as commissioner, is preparing to celebrate half a century of history, consolidating itself as the main showcase for basketball talent in the Dominican Republic.
