Galveston Islanders

Welcome to the Official Home of Galveston’s First-Ever Professional Basketball Franchises

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The Galveston Islanders (NBL-US) and the Lady Islanders (WNBL-US) proudly represent a historic milestone: the introduction of professional basketball to Galveston, Texas for the first time in city history. As expansion franchises joining the National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) and the Women’s National Basketball League–United States (WNBL-US) for the 2026 season, the Islanders are more than a team — they are a movement grounded in excellence, opportunity, and community elevation.

From the shores of the Gulf Coast to hardwood courts across the nation, the Islanders are here to showcase Galveston’s pride, passion, and potential on a national stage.

Our Mission

“To build a championship-caliber program rooted in discipline, integrity, and growth — while using the power of professional basketball to provide access, representation, and empowerment for athletes and communities throughout the Gulf Coast.”

Our Vision

The Galveston Islanders and Lady Islanders envision a future where:

  • Young athletes from Galveston and surrounding regions have direct pathways to college, international, and professional basketball careers.

  • The team is recognized nationally as a model for sports-based community development, workforce opportunity, and grassroots impact.

  • Galveston becomes a destination city for developmental basketball, attracting talent, sponsors, and fans from across Texas and beyond.

Who We Are

Founded in 2025, the Galveston Islanders and Lady Islanders were established to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity — especially for unsigned, overlooked, or underrepresented players ages 17 and up. Whether a recent high school graduate, a transfer, or a player seeking another shot at the dream, the Islanders are here to help athletes rise.

Each team will compete in a 26-game regular season beginning January 24, 2026, playing home and away matchups across the NBL-US and WNBL-US circuits. As part of the South Division, the Islanders will face fierce competition while developing a roster that embodies resilience, teamwork, and determination.

Proudly Representing Galveston

The Islanders are deeply committed to representing the identity, culture, and values of Galveston:

  • Grit: Like the island’s storm-tested community, we play with tenacity and purpose.

  • Unity: The team unites diverse athletes, coaches, and fans under one coastal banner.

  • Progress: We aim to grow the sport and the city — one game, one player, one fan at a time.

Community Impact and Engagement

The Galveston Islanders are more than a basketball team — we are a civic partner dedicated to using sports as a tool for uplift. Our programs will include:

  • Youth Clinics & Camps
    Free and low-cost basketball development programs for children across Galveston County.

  • School Visits & Mentorship
    Player-led speaking tours and classroom collaborations with GISD and surrounding school districts.

  • Local Hiring & Internships
    Game day staffing, operations, and marketing internships for local students and residents.

  • College Partnerships
    Collaborations with local colleges for workforce development, training, and game production support.

Our Core Goals

  1. Player Development
    Scout, train, and promote players for higher-level domestic and international opportunities.

  2. Community Inclusion
    Ensure the franchise reflects and represents the people of Galveston in its operations, roster, and outreach.

  3. Civic Pride
    Deliver a high-quality, affordable entertainment experience that brings the community together.

  4. Professional Growth
    Offer roles in coaching, front office, training, and media that elevate the next generation of sports professionals.

Get Involved

Whether you're an aspiring player, proud Galvestonian, youth athlete, business owner, or basketball enthusiast — the Islanders invite you to be part of something bigger.

Join the Island culture

The Galveston Islanders and Lady Islanders are here.
Here to compete.
Here to inspire.
Here to represent.
This is your team. This is your island.

#IslandPride | #NBLUS | #WNBLUS | #RiseWithTheIslanders

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