Shifts in Basketball League's Scoring System once more
The Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) has announced that it will be returning to the classic table ranking system for the 2025/26 season. This decision comes after a three-season experiment with a percentage-based ranking system, which has not been well-received by fans or media.
Robert Wintermantel, Head of Sport and Finance, explained that the new ranking system has not been established yet. He stated that each win will earn two positive ranking points, and a loss will result in two negative points. This return to the pre-change system aims to make the ranking system more familiar and understandable for fans.
The decision to revert to the classic table ranking system was influenced by feedback from the fans, who have expressed a desire to return to the familiar system from the history of the Basketball Bundesliga. The previous ranking of the clubs was based on the percentage of wins from the games already played. However, this system did not gain traction, especially in media coverage.
In case of a tie, negative points will be used to determine the ranking. If both teams have identical negative points, known sorting criteria such as direct comparison or overall scoring difference will apply. The team with the most positive points will be at the top of the table.
It is worth noting that the Basketball Bundesliga has not disclosed the reason for the three-season experiment with the percentage-based ranking system. However, media coverage did not favor the previous system, according to Wintermantel.
Among the clubs participating in the 2025/26 season are Germany's best basketball clubs, including the Veolia Towers from Hamburg. The BBL has not specified the exact criteria for the new ranking system, but it is expected that the details will be revealed in the coming months.
This change in the ranking system is a response to external criticism and a move towards making the Basketball Bundesliga more accessible and enjoyable for fans. The BBL conducted an internal evaluation and exchange with the clubs before making the decision to return to the classic table ranking system.
For the latest official details, it is recommended to check the official Basketball Bundesliga website or their official press releases.
Fans and media have expressed their appreciation for the Basketball Bundesliga's decision to revert to the classic table ranking system for the 2025/26 season, as it aims to make the ranking more familiar and understandable. In case of a tie, the team with the most positive points will be at the top of the table.
With each win earning two positive points and a loss resulting in two negative points, the return to the pre-change system is expected to increase the accessibility and enjoyment of the Basketball Bundesliga for fans.
