About the Omaha Express & Lady Express

The Omaha Express (men) and Lady Express (women) are the city’s home for elite, character-driven player development—and the first professional developmental basketball teams in Omaha, Nebraska, history. As proud members of the National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US), we provide one connected pathway for boys, girls, and adult athletes to grow through four competitive divisions under one standard of professionalism.

2026 Season (all divisions): January 31, 2026 – August 30, 2026

Our Mission

To develop complete players and complete people. We use basketball to teach discipline, accountability, leadership, and service—preparing Omaha athletes to excel in high school, college, and professional environments while uplifting the community we represent.

Our Purpose

Pathway: Give athletes a clear, year-round route from middle school to elite competition within a single, standards-based system.
Exposure: Leverage the NBL-US platform to connect players with colleges, international partners, and pro opportunities.
Education: Teach modern basketball—FIBA principles, shot-clock decision-making, analytics-informed skill work, and pro habits.
Equity: Resource the Lady Express at the same level as the men’s program to expand opportunity and visibility for women’s basketball.
Community: Serve Omaha and the surrounding metro through clinics, school partnerships, and volunteer initiatives.

The NBL-US Platform

The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) is a professional development ecosystem built to bridge athletes to the next level. The league operates multiple divisions for boys, girls, and adults, and collaborates with colleges and international partners. Crucially, the NBL-US calendar is designed not to interfere with the traditional college season, enabling compliant off-season development, evaluation, and exposure. Games emphasize three-official crews, a shot clock, advanced statistics, high-quality film, and a professional game-day standard—giving athletes real-world reps that translate.

Our Four-Division Pathway

Division 4 (7th–9th Grade): Foundations—footwork, ball-handling, shooting form, defensive stance, spatial awareness, and shot-clock concepts to build modern habits early.
Division 3 (10th–12th Grade): Varsity prep—role clarity, advanced reads, off-ball movement, defensive communication, and college-aligned evaluation (film, measurables, academics).
Division 2 (Ages 18–21): Post-grad bridge—pro-style systems, scouting reports, strength & conditioning plans, and life-skills (time management, nutrition, media).
Division 1 – Elite (Ages 16+): Top tier—high-level competition, detailed game plans, and professional expectations for athletes targeting college, overseas, or pro pathways.

Movement between divisions is readiness-based—not just age—ensuring the right challenge for both Express and Lady Express rosters.

2026 Season at a Glance

Dates: January 31 – August 30, 2026
Format: Training blocks, league competition, showcases/combines, and postseason opportunities under the NBL-US framework.
Game Experience: Three-official crews, shot clock, live stats/film, and professional presentation.
Development Stack: Position-specific skill work, individual development plans, film study, performance training, recovery education, and academic/college-readiness support for student-athletes.

Player Development & College/Pro Exposure

Film & Analytics: Every athlete receives film plus actionable feedback aligned to college/pro evaluation standards.
Showcases/Combines: Targeted events featuring league partners, coaches, and scouts.
Two-Way College Pathway: An NBL-US schedule that complements college calendars, supporting compliant off-season growth.
Global Readiness: FIBA rules familiarity and pace/space principles to thrive in multiple systems.

Community Impact in Omaha

We believe professional standards start with service.

School Partnerships: In-school talks, attendance challenges, and reading initiatives connecting classroom success to court opportunities.
Youth Clinics & Camps: Low- or no-cost skills clinics across the metro, with Lady Express athletes leading girls-focused sessions.
Coach the Coaches: Free or subsidized clinics to elevate instruction across local youth programs.
Small-Business Spotlights: Game-day vendor spaces and features to amplify Omaha entrepreneurs.
Service & Stewardship: Team volunteer hours supporting food security, park clean-ups, and back-to-school drives.
Women’s Game Pipeline: Mentorship, internships, and leadership opportunities in operations, media, and coaching.

Our Standards

Respect the Game: Be on time, prepared, and coachable.
Team Above Self: Role clarity, communication, and unselfish play.
Professional Habits: Nutrition, sleep, strength, and recovery matter.
Academic & Life Readiness: Classroom excellence is non-negotiable for student-athletes.
Equal Investment: Lady Express receives equal access to facilities, staff, exposure, and resources.

Join the Express

Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, educator, sponsor, or fan, there’s a place for you with the Omaha Express and Lady Express. Together, we’ll elevate the standard of player development—and the city we love—one possession at a time.

For tryouts, registration, partnerships, and media inquiries, please contact our front office or visit the NBL-US website for league updates.