The Future Of Basketball: Cancelled Or Not?

has basketball been cancelled

There have been several instances of basketball-related cancellations. NBC has cancelled five shows for the 2025-2026 season, including Suits LA, to make room for NBA games. In other news, Senegal's women's basketball team's training camp in the US was cancelled after several members were denied US visas. The team will now train in Dakar, Senegal's capital. In other basketball-related news, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved changes to the rules of men's basketball for the 2025-26 season, eliminating a much-maligned rule.

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Date of Search 21 June 2025
Top Results News of cancelled basketball training for the Senegalese women's basketball team in the US
Discussion of rule changes in college basketball
Discussion of TV shows cancelled to make room for NBA games on NBC
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Training for the Senegalese women's basketball team in the US was cancelled

In a statement, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced that the training camp would now take place in the country's capital, Dakar, which he described as "a sovereign and conducive setting." Sonko also reaffirmed Senegal's commitment to "free, balanced cooperation based on mutual respect and shared benefit."

The visa refusals come amid reports of increasing travel restrictions on African countries by the US. Earlier in the month, the US announced a ban on citizens from 12 countries, including seven from Africa. There were also partial travel restrictions on nationals from seven other countries, with three from Africa.

Senegal has one of the best women's basketball teams in Africa, consistently reaching the final four in AfroBasket tournaments. The team has won 11 FIBA Women's AfroBasket titles, the most of any country. However, they have not won the tournament since 2015, finishing second three times since then.

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College basketball eliminates a hated rule for the 2025-26 season

College basketball has eliminated a hated rule for the 2025-26 season, with the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approving changes to enhance the flow of men's games. The most notable change is the elimination of replay reviews on out-of-bounds or goaltending calls in the final two minutes of games. This rule change is expected to reduce disruptions to the flow of the game, as the previous rule allowed coaches to game the system, adding 15-20 minutes to game durations.

Instead, coaches will now have the ability to challenge out-of-bounds calls and goaltending or basket interference in the final two minutes. Each coach will receive one challenge, which they will keep until they make an unsuccessful challenge. If a challenge is successful, the team will receive another one to use for the rest of the game, except for the final two minutes of regulation or overtime.

The NCAA is also considering other significant rule changes, including the introduction of a coach's challenge system and switching from halves to quarters. These changes aim to enhance the flow of games and bring college basketball in line with its professional counterparts in the US and overseas.

Another potential rule change is loosening the restrictions on player continuation, allowing officials to call a Flagrant 1 foul when a player is contacted in the groin. This would result in two free throws for the offended team and possession of the ball, providing an alternative to the current options of a common foul or a Flagrant 2 foul, which results in ejection.

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NBC cancels 5 TV shows for the 2025-26 season, including Suits LA, to make room for NBA games

NBC has cancelled 5 TV shows for the 2025-26 season, including Suits LA, to make room for NBA games. The other shows cancelled are comedies Lopez vs. Lopez and Night Court, and dramas Found and The Irrational. The Hunting Party, Brilliant Minds, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. are some of the shows that have been renewed.

The decision to cancel these shows comes as NBC plans to devote more primetime to its sports division in the upcoming season. The network has signed an 11-year deal worth nearly $2.5 billion per year to air up to 100 regular-season NBA games, including the NBA All-Star Game and exclusive first-round playoff games. NBC will also stream some games on its streaming service Peacock and Telemundo.

Suits LA is a spin-off of the USA Network drama Suits, and it was cancelled after just one season. Some fans were disappointed with the decision, as the show was gaining momentum and popularity. Found and The Irrational also performed reasonably well in streaming and other delayed viewing platforms. However, the majority of NBA viewers are expected to tune in live, allowing NBC to charge higher ad rates.

While some fans are excited about having more NBA games to watch on broadcast TV, others have taken to social media to express their outrage over the cancellation of their favourite primetime shows. This move by NBC is expected to attract more sports fans and increase profitability through higher ad revenue.

This wave of cancellations is the largest single-season purge of NBC's scripted lineup since the 2020-21 season. The network has renewed 10 shows for the 2025-26 season, including fan favourites like The Voice, which will feature returning judges Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Niall Horan.

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US visa rejections cause issues for athletes and fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics

US visa rejections have been causing concerns for athletes and fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, with some even missing out on the events. The US has been accused of denying visas to athletes and officials from certain countries, such as Cuba, due to political tensions and travel restrictions. These visa issues have resulted in Cuban athletes missing championships and tournaments in the US, raising concerns about their participation in the upcoming major sports events.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of international tourists and athletes. However, the lengthy visa processing times and backlogs have become a significant concern for travelers wishing to attend the event. The average wait time for a visa interview varies across countries, with some facing delays of several hundred days. This has led to worries that many fans, especially those from countries with longer wait times, may not obtain their visas in time for the tournament.

To address these concerns, the US State Department has encouraged prospective visitors to apply for their visas as early as possible. Additionally, the US has offered reassurances about managing the visa process for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, aiming to work closely with organizers to ensure a smooth process for athletes and their entourages.

To expedite the visa process, the US may offer a $1,000 fast-track option for tourist visa interviews. Certain match officials and participants in international sporting events may be eligible for a B-1 business visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). However, travelers should be aware of inadmissibility concerns and applicable waivers, as certain factors, such as past immigration violations or criminal records, may require additional waivers to enter the US.

While the US has provided assurances, the visa situation remains a challenge for athletes and fans planning to attend these major sporting events. Early planning and understanding of visa requirements are crucial to ensuring a smooth journey to the host countries.

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Movement towards changing basketball games from halves to quarters

There has been a growing movement to change basketball games from halves to quarters. This change aims to reduce delays and the impact of the bonus, where teams spend a significant portion of each half at the free-throw line. The current structure in men's college basketball, with two halves, is unique compared to other levels of basketball, which predominantly use quarters.

Historically, various leagues have employed different structures regarding halves and quarters. For instance, the ABL, EBL, and NYSL in the 1910s and 1920s used halves, while amateur leagues and the NBL adopted quarters. The NBA has consistently structured its games into four quarters. Similarly, women's college basketball, men's and women's pro basketball, and high school basketball all utilize a quarter system.

The proposed shift to quarters in men's college basketball is supported by several advantages. One key benefit is the reduction in game duration, as the quarter system resets team fouls at the end of each quarter, preventing games from devolving into prolonged free-throw contests. This change would also align men's college basketball with the structure used in other basketball leagues, creating a more standardized format.

However, some individuals express a preference for the unique feel of 20-minute halves in men's college basketball, differentiating it from the NBA. They argue that the current system rewards teams for driving to the basket and encourages a distinct style of play. Nonetheless, the movement towards adopting quarters in men's college basketball continues to gain momentum, with the NCAA hinting at positive progress in this direction.

While the discussion surrounding the change from halves to quarters in men's college basketball remains ongoing, the potential benefits of reducing game length and standardizing the format across basketball leagues are driving the movement forward. The ultimate decision will likely be made by the governing bodies of the respective organizations, each aiming to optimize their brand of basketball.

Frequently asked questions

No, basketball has not been cancelled. However, there have been instances of basketball-related events being cancelled, such as training camps and TV shows being cancelled to make room for NBA games.

The training camp was cancelled because some of the players and officials were denied US visas.

Currently, basketball games are divided into halves. However, there is a movement towards adopting a quarter system to improve the flow of the game and reduce delays caused by frequent free throws.

Yes, NBC cancelled five TV shows ahead of the 2025-2026 season, including "Suits LA," "Found," and "Night Court," to make room for NBA games.

Yes, "Suits LA," a show related to basketball, was cancelled by NBC to make room for other NBA games.

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