THE LEAGUE
The Maine Basketball League (MBL) features elite competition across the state of Maine. Top Divisions in Waterville (Kennebec Division) and Naples (Sebago Division) have competed since 2021. A brand new Division in Hampden (Penobscot Division) is set to launch in Fall 2023 and there are developing plans for Portland-area (Atlantic Division), Youth (Super Division), and 40+ (Elite Division) expansion projects in years to come.
THE EXPERIENCE
Maine's #1 Amateur Basketball League runs twice a year- with sessions in the Spring (March-June) and in the Fall (August-December). The League is known for its draft-style where individual athletes sign up to be in the draft pool before each season. A group of pre-selected captains build their teams in the draft with feedback provided during the registration process.
Registrations are on a first come, first serve, paid basis. The player fee is a one-time payment; per player, per season; which varies in price depending on each Division. Both Registration and Payment are the only way to secure a spot in the draft. The player fee covers game management staff, a referee crew, jerseys, and more.
During the season, the MBL's official podcast The Foul Line releases weekly episodes on YouTube for players, fans, and viewers to enjoy. Game Film is archived on our Facebook page after each week. Our Instagram feed consists of special features and engagement from around the League. Stats, Content, and a photo Gallery curated by the MBL's Broadcast and Media teams can always be found on MaineBasketballLeague.com.
Despite all of our efforts to add value through media and interaction, the best perk of being a part of the MBL is by-far the Community. Our vast network of diverse alumni from around the Great State of Maine includes small business owners, veterans, artists, athletes, public servants, and many other contributing members of society. It also features many former Professional, Collegiate, and Varsity Basketball standouts such as Ryan Martin (Maranacook), Nick Pelotte (Valley), and Rickey White (Mt. Ararat) along with countless other unforgettable captains, players, referees, fans, and volunteers from across a decade.
THE PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE
Founded in 2014 as the Central Maine Basketball League (CMBL) by Ray Bernier. He served as the Commissioner of the League from its inception in Summer 2014 to June 2022. He remains involved in a small role as Statistics Consultant for the league.
Nicareece Hunter was brought on board as a Volunteer in Fall 2018 by Bernier. Through dedication in that opportunity, he was offered the Assistant Commissioner position in Spring 2019. In June 2022, he became the new Owner & Commissioner of the MBL.
For six years and twelve seasons, the MBL was exclusive to Central Maine- at that time being known as the CMBL. Messalonskee High School, Gilman Street Basketball Club, and the Kennebec YMCA were gracious venues where teams competed for years. The League established the Kennebec Division at the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) in 2019. CMCC Hall-of-Famer Josh Berard serves as Kennebec Liaison.
In 2020, the MBL acquired the Southern Maine Men's Basketball League which doubled the number of teams, split the league into two divisions, and introduced an entirely new group of captains and talent to the ever-growing community of the MBL. The Sebago Division has played their games at Lake Region High School, home of the Lakers, since Spring 2021 and Ryan Martin serves as Sebago Liaison.
In early 2023, plans were put into action and a new Division was developed in Hampden. This new Penobscot Division will play its first season in Fall 2023 at the Skehan Rec Center. The MBL is grateful to have Aaron Brown leading the way as Penobscot Liaison.