TOMBALL, TEXAS — The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) and Women’s National Basketball League–United States (WNBL-US) are proud to officially welcome the Tomball Stampede and Lady Stampede as expansion franchises for the upcoming 2026 season. The teams will play their home games at Lone Star College–Tomball, marking a historic moment for the city as it hosts professional basketball for the first time in its history.

The announcement has sparked tremendous excitement across the Tomball community, with local leaders, families, and basketball fans embracing the arrival of high-level men’s and women’s basketball as a new cornerstone of city pride and regional entertainment.

“The response from the city of Tomball has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Kevin Williams Sr., President of the NBL-US. “The Stampede will represent Tomball with professionalism, pride, and purpose—and we are thrilled to expand into such a vibrant and supportive community.”

About the Tomball Stampede

The Tomball Stampede (men’s team) and Lady Stampede (women’s team) are professional development basketball teams competing in the NBL-US and WNBL-US respectively. As the first professional sports franchises in the city’s history, the Stampede aims to serve as both an athletic powerhouse and a civic pillar within the Tomball community.

The teams will play their full home schedule at Lone Star College–Tomball, a facility that embodies the values of education, growth, and community partnership. The Stampede’s arrival marks a long-term investment in the city's sports culture, youth development programs, and local economic activity.

Mission, Purpose, and Goals

The mission of the Tomball Stampede is to empower athletes and energize the city by offering a platform where dreams are developed, talent is showcased, and community pride is reignited.

Purpose

• To give local male and female athletes ages 16 and up a professional pathway to pursue basketball careers domestically and internationally.

• To promote community engagement, youth mentorship, and academic encouragement through basketball-related initiatives.

• To become a beacon of opportunity and hope for families, schools, and aspiring players across Tomball and neighboring communities.

Goals

• On the court: Compete at the highest level of professional development basketball and establish a winning culture.

• In the community: Launch mentorship programs, youth clinics, scholarship initiatives, and partnerships with Tomball ISD and local nonprofits.

• For the future: Prepare players for the next level—whether that’s college basketball, overseas contracts, or the NBA/WNBA pipeline.

Commissioner’s Statement

“We are thrilled to welcome the Tomball Stampede and Lady Stampede into the NBL-US and WNBL-US family,” said Commissioner Lillian Countee. “Tomball is a city with character, ambition, and a strong community identity—everything we look for when expanding our league. My expectation for this organization is that they become a model franchise, one that excels competitively while staying rooted in the values of education, integrity, and inclusivity. We believe this team will be a launchpad for countless athletes and a source of pride for the people of Tomball.”

Tryouts & Staffing News

Tryouts for both the Stampede and Lady Stampede will officially begin in August 2025, with dates and registration details to be announced via the team’s website and social media channels.
The head coach and general manager announcements for both teams are expected in the coming weeks as the organization finalizes its leadership team and operational infrastructure.

About the NBL-US

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) is a professional development basketball league designed to serve as a springboard for unsigned high school graduates, college players, and aspiring pros. With men’s and women’s divisions now active in multiple cities, the NBL-US is the only domestic league that features unsigned players ages 16 and older, including a growing international partnership network spanning over a dozen countries.

Through elite competition, broadcast exposure, and community integration, the NBL-US delivers a platform for athletic and personal growth, preparing athletes for careers in college, overseas leagues, and beyond.

#StampedeStrong | #TomballBasketball | #RunWithPurpose