The 2019–20 Dutch Basketball League (DBL) was the 60th season of the Dutch Basketball League, the highest professional basketball league in the Netherlands. The regular season started on 28 September.
On 12 March 2020, the season was postponed until 31 March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] On 14 March, the DBL announced to suspend the competition to at least 2 May.[3] On 20 March, the DBL cancelled the rest of the season while naming no champion.[1]Landstede Hammers qualified for the Basketball Champions League (BCL) based on the standings at the time.
Format changes
From this season, the DBL adopted FIBA's home-grown players rule. Teams need to have at least 4 (for a 10-man roster) or 5 (for a 12-man roster) home-grown players on their roster.[4] Due to this new rule, the previous limitation of maximum five foreign players, is dropped.
Location of teams in the 2019–20 Dutch Basketball League
On 4 May 2019, the DBL announced all nine teams from the last season would return, excluding Dutch Windmills which was dissolved. TBG Dragons from Nijmegen was planning to make its debut season, depending on the club being able to meet all license requirements.[5] On 28 June, the DBL announced the Dragons withdrew.[6]
^Initially, the first six teams would qualify for the playoffs (the first two for the semifinals, the other four quarterfinals). However, due to the interruption of the league, the playoffs were suspended. As first club in the standings, Landstede Hammers qualifies for the 2020–21 Basketball Champions League, but Donar was granted spot instead.
^Landstede Hammers declined its invitation for the FIBA Europe Cup.