Newark, New Jersey – The NBXL, first US-Middle East based independent professional basketball league, proudly announces the NJ-Pros as its inaugural franchise. The NJ-Pros will serve as a foundational model for three additional league owned franchises that will join the league in its inaugural season, representing the USA, UAE, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The NJ-Pros have a rich history in professional basketball, having been members of several independent leagues from 2009 to 2014 in the USA. In 2014, they transitioned to an independent status by hosting local and national showcase games that coincided with NBA Developmental League events. These branded doubleheaders provided local children free access to both the NJ-Pros game and the respective G-League game, creating unforgettable nights of basketball and fostering a stronger fan base beyond New Jersey.
They then elevated their profile by playing exhibition games against numerous top international teams globally until 2020. This exciting period included matchups with prestigious teams from international leagues such as the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) of Puerto Rico and the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB) of the Dominican Republic. They also faced FIBA National teams as well like the Dominican Republic Men’s National Basketball Team and against the USA Men’s National Basketball Team.
The NJ-Pros have had notable figures including Craig Hodges and Felipe Lopez, both of whom have been integral parts of the NJ-Pros staff since 2013 and are now key members of the NBXL front office. Craig Hodges, a former NBA player and three-time NBA Three-Point Contest winner, led the league in three-point shooting percentage and won two NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls as player and two as a coach with Los Angeles Lakers. Felipe Lopez, another former NBA player and ambassador for NBA Cares.
Additionally, Christian Villar, founder and former player of the NJ-Pros, is the founder and owner of the NBXL, bringing his vision and leadership to the league. The NJ-Pros first-ever coach, Matt Riccardi, currently serves as the Assistant General Manager for the NBA Dallas Mavericks, while Chris Matthews, known as “Lethal Shooter,” recognized as one of the most sought-after shooting coaches globally, previously played for the NJ-Pros. Antoine Morgano and Luis Martinez, who have served as the NJ-Pros' co-captains since 2009, will provide crucial leadership as veterans in the team's pursuit of their first-ever NBXL championship.
Villar has announced that the NJ-Pros will honor the legacy of past players by offering opportunities and platforms for them to continue their post-playing careers, either within the team or in the NBXL. This initiative aims to celebrate the contributions of former players to the franchise's rich history as he considers them family.
As the NBXL prepares for its 2025 inaugural season, basketball fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the exciting announcement on October 5th, when the franchise representing Dubai will be revealed.
For more information about the NBXL and the NJ-Pros tryouts and draft, please contact info@thenbxl.com
About NBXL
The NBXL is the first-ever independent single entity US-Middle East based professional basketball league featuring elite players from around the world.
NBXL is composed of four league owned franchises representing the United States and Middle East
With an absence of an import rule, a shorter season and the introduction of an in-season tournament cup, NBXL aims to captivate audiences worldwide while fostering cultural exchange and promoting tourism opportunities
More than a decade in the making, NBXL meticulously planned its launch, engaging in extensive research and understanding the dynamics of local, national and international basketball markets
From 2009 to 2020 it operated as a professional basketball team concept playing against other professional teams and leagues worldwide to gain insight into the league
Since transforming into a league in 2020 it has been in the Middle East studying and understanding the culture, customs and basketball markets while actively growing and supporting the game at the grassroots level
In its 2025 inaugural season the NBXL looks to provide an extraordinary basketball experience for players and fans alike, transcending borders and redefining the future of the sport while becoming one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world
For more media inquiries, please contact info@thenbxl.com
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