Cork SuperLeague basketball teams ready for the season with new professional players eager to make an impression

Ballincollig’s latest signing, Jakevion Buckley, spoke about the difficulty of winning in the Domino’s Men’s Super League, while Catherine Vaile says she is adjusting to life at Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell at the 2026/27 National League launch at the National Basketball Arena.

Teams from the Domino's Super League and Division One, as well as Men's Division Two packed out the National Basketball Arena at the launch of the National League. 

The 56 teams are in full preparation, with game week one tipping off on the Saturday, 3rd of October.

The Domino’s Men’s and Women’s Super League tips off in less than three weeks, with teams looking to make a statement in the early stages of the season. 

Limerick Eagles head coach, Niall McDermott, spoke about the young blood in the squad that can hopefully adapt to the higher division.

“We’re super excited for the new season. 

"It’s our first time in the Super League in almost ten years, so it’s great for the club to get back to that level, as that was always our goal,” said McDermott. 

“I think that we will be the least experienced team with a lot of young players that have never played at this level before, but we’re bringing back a lot of the same squad as last year, so hopefully that continuity will balance out the lack of experience.

”It’s going to be an extremely tough league – all the teams have recruited well over the summer, so we’re expecting a super tough challenge but we’re excited for it,” added McDermott.

McDermott led Limerick Eagles to a Domino’s Men’s Division One title in April 2026, guiding the club back to the top division – a league that they won in the 2012/13 season. 

The Eagles will travel east for their opening fixture, as they prepare to take on St Vincent's, with new head coach Mark Bodmar at the wheel.

"I don't really know what to expect but I'm prepared for the season ahead. I'm just looking forward to running it back and playing solid basketball with my teammates," said Buckley. 

"I know it's hard to win anywhere you go, but I've been a part of a winning environment my whole life. I know what it takes to win and he (Ciaran O'Sullivan) has been preparing all of us well."

The Domino's Women's Super League tips off with some blockbuster contests, including a repeat of the 2025/26 WSL Playoff Final between Trinity Meteors and Career Decisions UCC Glanmire. 

Catherine Vaile, who previously played with Swords Thunder, spoke about the step up from Division One to Super League, as she settles in at Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell.

“I’m really excited to play Super League this season, especially after playing in Division One last year,” said Vaile. 

“The game is going to be a lot faster. I had to improve my game a lot to play at this level, so I’m excited to show off what Brunell basketball can do.” 

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell will kick start their season with a home game against SETU Waterford Wildcats, in a Munster derby. 

Elsewhere in the league, Killester will host Utility Trust St Paul's, who have resigned Maisie Burnham after a standout debut year, and signed superstars Angelina Robles and Paula Reus Piza.

The opening fixture of the Domino's Men's Division One takes place between Moy Tolka Rovers and Drogheda Wolves, while Malahide will battle against Dublin Lions in a Dublin derby. 

Templeogue will make the journey to Killarney, as new signing Elijah Wilson spoke about the opening encounter with SPK Utility Trust Lakers at the National League launch.

"I've been looking forward to the start of the league since I touched down in Ireland. 

"I've met all of my teammates now and we're gelling together really well ahead of the first game," said Wilson. 

"We're getting at least one percent better everyday and we're constantly seeing improvements every practice. 

"The game might be a little faster than back home, but I'm looking forward to it regardless and I'm prepared for every opportunity I get."

Cleveland Rockets will travel to University of Galway Mystics for the opening gameweek of the Domino's Women's Division One, after topping the regular season table last year. 

Rockets head coach Breda Dick recently announced the signing of the New Yorker, Shannon Ryan, as she looks to get the Ulster side back to winning ways. 

After their relegation from the WSL, Catalyst Fr Mathew's will take on Dublin Raiders for their opening encounter of the league. 

Hannah McCarthy has taken over as head coach for Catalyst Fr Mathew's, as she brings wealth of basketball knowledge from her playing days in Cork.