Published: August 12, 2026
Paynesville — The Liberia Basketball Association has reduced the regular admission fee for Saturday’s decisive championship games following widespread public criticism over the initial ticket prices.
The LBA announced that regular fans will now pay US$15, down from the previously announced US$25. Ticket prices for players from clubs other than the finalists remain at US$10, while VIP tickets remain US$50, including a drink.
The initial prices drew criticism from basketball supporters on social media, with some fans threatening to boycott the championship finals.
The LBA had announced the higher prices after a large turnout during Game 4 on Sunday prompted the association to invite state security to help manage the crowd.
The revised prices were announced by the League Organizing Committee with the endorsement of LBA President Abraham Samukai.
The decisive Game 5s, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, have been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Gymnasium.
The Women’s Division championship game between Flames and D-Rockas will tip off at 5 p.m., followed by the Men’s First Division final between NPA Pythons and LPRC Oilers at 7 p.m.
The women’s championship series is tied 2-2 after D-Rockas defeated Flames 51-43 in Game 4. Saturday’s winner will be crowned champion and earn the right to represent Liberia in the FIBA Women’s Interclub Championship.
In the men’s division, defending champions LPRC Oilers rallied late to defeat NPA Pythons 53-51 on Sunday, leveling the best-of-five series at 2-2.
NPA Pythons controlled the game from the opening quarter through most of the fourth period before the Oilers mounted a late comeback in the final two minutes to secure the crucial victory.
Saturday’s Game 5 will determine the men’s champion and Liberia’s representative in the FIBA Men’s Interclub competition.
Elsewhere, Bushrod Dreams were crowned champions of the women’s lower division after defeating Paynesville Bulldogs 67-64 in Game 4 to win their series 3-1.
Junior Rockies also captured the men’s third division championship after defeating Louisiana Blazers 74-70.
The LBA has apologized for the schedule change and called on fans, teams and other stakeholders to cooperate with the association as it works to promote and develop basketball in Liberia.
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