Flamengo Basketball releases schedule for first months of 2026/27 season

With preseason underway since August, Flamengo Basketball prepares for the official start of the 2026/27 season on September 20. Through December, the Red-Black squad faces the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, international friendlies in Uruguay, the NBB Opening Tournament, the Brazilian Basketball League and the South American League.

State Championship returns to kick off the season

After three years out of the calendar, the Rio de Janeiro State Championship makes its comeback to Rio basketball in 2026. The reigning champions and winners of 18 consecutive titles between 2005 and 2023, Flamengo begin their title defense on September 20.

The opening match comes against Fluminense at Gávea. Four days later, on the 24th, the Red-Black side face Botafogo in General Severiano.

Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense compete in the first round on a single round-robin basis. The top two finishers advance to the final, scheduled for October 14, with home advantage awarded to the higher seed.

Flamengo Basketball supervisor Gegê Chaia emphasized the importance of the competition's return and the opportunity to extend the club's historic dominance in the tournament.

"The return of the State Championship is hugely important," Chaia said. "It's Rio de Janeiro's championship, where Flamengo has established tremendous dominance in basketball. Eighteen consecutive titles—that's a massive opportunity to keep making history as we return to competition."

Beyond chasing the trophy, the State Championship also serves as crucial preparation for the team's remaining season commitments.

"It's a tournament that will prepare us for a very challenging campaign ahead," he continued. "We know the importance and responsibility we carry to win and claim titles. I believe the State Championship will prepare us greatly for what comes next, and it gives us the chance to continue writing history in Rio de Janeiro."

Friendlies in Uruguay

Following the State Championship first round, Flamengo travel to Uruguay for two international friendlies. On September 28, they face Peñarol. The next day, Biguá will be the opposition.

Both matches form part of preparations for the launch of domestic and continental competitions.

"These are two really important games for our preseason," explained coach Demétrius Ferracciú. "They let us put into practice what we've been working on in training—the concepts, the defensive and offensive situations. It's vital for building chemistry and game rhythm."

Ferracciú also acknowledged the caliber of the Uruguayan opposition.

"It's excellent to face BCLA-level teams like Biguá and Peñarol. They'll certainly demand a lot from us quality-wise. That's crucial at this stage of the season to identify what we're doing well and what needs improving. Expect two very competitive and very productive matches," he added.

Opening Tournament closes preseason

Next, Flamengo compete in the NBB Opening Tournament, running October 6–10 in Minas Gerais.

Beyond the Red-Black squad, participants include Botafogo, Brasília, Caxias do Sul, Cruzeiro, Fluminense, Minas and Tatuí. Flamengo play four matches in the competition on October 6, 7, 9 and 10.

For Ferracciú, the tournament marks the final phase of preparation ahead of the NBB launch.

"It's a very important tournament for the next stage of preparation. It essentially wraps up our preseason. Within the tournament, we'll be able to analyze, assess and refine how we've been training and playing," he said.

"It all adds up so we can debut in the NBB with a different level of quality—the kind of quality that builds confidence match by match," he concluded.

NBB tips off at Maracanãzinho

With the Opening Tournament complete, Flamengo can return to State Championship action. Should they finish the first round in the top two, they'll contest the final on October 14.

Four days later, the NBB campaign begins. Flamengo debut on October 18 at 11 a.m. against Bauru at Maracanãzinho.

The second fixture also comes at home: on October 20, the Red-Black face Botafogo. From there, the NBB dominates the team's schedule regularly throughout October, November and December.

South American League also starts at home

The South American League's first window runs October 23–25 at Maracanãzinho.

Flamengo sit in Group D alongside Oberá (Argentina), Paisas (Colombia) and Defensor (Uruguay).

The top two finishers in the group advance to the second phase, scheduled for November. With another qualification, Flamengo progress to the Final Four in December.

This means October concentrates the launch of the season's major competitions. Flamengo compete in the Opening Tournament October 6–10, can play the State Championship final on the 14th, debut in the NBB on the 18th and start South American League action on the 23rd.

In the months ahead, the schedule includes the continuation of the NBB first round and, if qualified, the decisive phases of the South American League.