Turnpike Event Pvt Ltd on Thursday inked a deal with Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA) to host franchise-based National Basketball League in Kathmandu on Thursday.

In the announcement ceremony of the first basketball league, event management company Turnpike said the event will feature eight teams representing major cities of the country.

However, the date of the event is yet to be announced. "The date will be finalised in the near future after analysing Covid-19 situation," NeBA president Bhim Singh Gurung said.

The tournament will be held at the Dasharath Stadium covered hall. NeBA will provide technical assistance and manpower to run the tournament while Turnpike will provide 40 per cent of the franchise fees. The amount is yet to be disclosed.

The participating players will be divided into two categories, with the Nepali international players making into 'A' category and other players into category 'B'. Each team needs to recruit two foreigner players apart from 10 domestic players.