About the Columbus Clutch & Lady Clutch
The Columbus Clutch (men) and Lady Clutch (women) are Central Ohio’s home for elite player development and high-character, community-driven basketball. As proud members of the National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US), we field unified boys’, girls’, and adult programs that progress through four competitive divisions—from middle school through elite post-grad—so athletes can grow with one organization, one culture, and one standard of excellence.
2026 Season Window: January 31, 2026 – August 30, 2026 (all divisions)
Our Mission
To develop complete players and complete people. We use basketball to build discipline, accountability, leadership, and service—preparing Columbus athletes to excel in high school, college, and professional environments while positively impacting the city we represent.
Our Purpose
Pathway: Provide a clear, year-round pathway from youth to elite competition within a single, standards-based system.
Exposure: Showcase our athletes to colleges, international partners, and professional opportunities through the NBL-US platform.
Education: Teach the game the right way—FIBA-style spacing and pace, decision-making, analytics-informed skill work, and modern player care.
Equity: Resource the Lady Clutch at the same standard as the men’s program, creating equal opportunity and visibility for women’s basketball in Columbus.
Community: Use our platform to serve Columbus—schools, small businesses, and neighborhoods—through clinics, volunteerism, and partnerships.
The NBL-US Platform
The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) is a professional development ecosystem designed to bridge athletes to the next level. The league operates multiple divisions for boys, girls, and adults, and actively collaborates with colleges and international partners. Importantly, the NBL-US calendar is designed not to interfere with the traditional college season, enabling enrolled student-athletes (where applicable and compliant) to train, be scouted, and pursue off-season competition and development opportunities. League events emphasize quality officiating, advanced statistics, film, and professional game presentation—giving athletes real-world reps that translate.
Our Four-Division Pathway
Division 4 (7th–9th Grade): Fundamentals first. Core skill development, footwork, decision-making, and physical literacy. Teaching FIBA rules and shot-clock awareness to build modern habits early.
Division 3 (10th–12th Grade): Varsity prep. Role clarity, advanced reads, off-ball movement, defensive accountability, and exposure to college evaluation criteria (film, measurables, and academic readiness).
Division 2 (Ages 18–21): Post-grad bridge. Pro-style systems, professional scouting film, strength & conditioning plans, and life-skills support (time management, nutrition, media). A launchpad for college and international opportunities.
Division 1 – Elite (Ages 16+): Our top competitive tier. High-level training, pro-style coverages, detailed scouting reports, and intense competition against elite peers. Built for athletes targeting college, overseas, or pro-pathway opportunities.
Athletes progress based on readiness—not just age—ensuring the right challenge at the right time for both Clutch and Lady Clutch rosters.
2026 Season at a Glance
Dates: January 31, 2026 – August 30, 2026
Format: Training blocks, league competition, showcases/combines, and postseason opportunities organized under the NBL-US framework.
Game Experience: Three-official crews, shot clock, live stats/film, and a professional game-day standard.
Development Stack: Position-specific skill work, individual development plans, video breakdown, sport performance, recovery education, and academic/college-readiness guidance for student-athletes.
Player Development & College/Pro Exposure
Film & Analytics: Every athlete receives film and actionable feedback aligned to college and pro evaluation standards.
Showcases/Combines: Targeted events with coaches, scouts, and league partners.
College Collaboration: The NBL-US maintains relationships and a calendar that complements college basketball, creating a two-way path for emerging talent.
Global Mindset: International rules familiarity and pace/space principles prepare our athletes for a wide range of systems and opportunities.
Community Impact in Columbus
We believe a professional standard begins with community stewardship.
School Partnerships: Reading days, attendance challenges, and in-school motivational talks linking classroom performance to on-court opportunity.
Youth Clinics & Camps: Low- or no-cost skill clinics in underserved neighborhoods, with Lady Clutch players leading girls-focused sessions.
Coach the Coaches: Free or subsidized clinics for local youth coaches to elevate teaching quality across Columbus.
Small-Business Spotlights: Game-day vendor spaces and shout-outs to amplify Columbus entrepreneurs.
Service Commitments: Team-wide volunteer hours supporting food security, park clean-ups, and back-to-school drives.
Pathways for Girls & Women: Mentorship and internships around operations, media, and coaching to grow the women’s game locally.
Our Standards
Respect the Game: Be on time, prepared, and coachable.
Team Above Self: Role clarity and unselfish play.
Professional Habits: Nutrition, sleep, strength, and recovery matter.
Academic & Life Readiness: For our student-athletes, classroom excellence is non-negotiable.
Equal Investment: Lady Clutch receives equal access to facilities, staff, exposure, and resources.
Join the Clutch Family
Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, educator, sponsor, or fan, there’s a place for you with the Columbus Clutch and Lady Clutch. Together, we’ll elevate the standard of player development—and the city we love—one possession at a time.
For tryout dates, registration, and partnership inquiries, please contact our front office or visit the NBL-US website for league updates.