BFPNG introduces an ‘Amateur Comp’ to complement PEB

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) launched its newly introduced Amateur Competition, coinciding with the Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) 2026 launch last night (May 7) at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.

Established in 2024, PEB will continue its third season this year, while the Amateur competition has been introduced to serve as a development pathway for supplying emerging talent to the elite competition.

ExxonMobil PNG has been PEB’s platinum sponsor for two years and will continue its naming rights sponsorship this year, while the Amateur League is backed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG). 

Prominent, high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, ExxonMobil representatives, CRCEG representatives, BFPNG President David Peter, PEB Director Lawrence Lahari, NMCA CEO David Wereh, and other distinguished guests graced the occasion.

Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea President David Peter made the opening remarks, acknowledging the sponsors and the government’s support. 

“The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Honorable James Marape, thank you for gracing this occasion, and thank you for your government’s support towards basketball,” President Peter said.

“I would also like to thank ExxonMobil PNG, China Railway Construction Engineering, and the Chinese Ambassador to PNG for their support.”

President Peter highlighted the importance of the launch: “This event is not just another launch for us (BFPNG), it signifies our transition from amateur basketball to elite competition.

“This is about building a structured approach in basketball, creating opportunities for junior players to come through the development pathway (Amateur League) and make their way to the elite level.

“We want to make sure that the players come through structured systems so that when we want to select players for national representation, we can pick directly from the elite competition.”

Mr. Peter added: “We are envious of what rugby league and soccer are doing, and that is the path we want to take.

“Our invitation to you (Prime Minister Marape) is to tell you BFPNG’s dream or vision of a structured approach in the way we run basketball in PNG.” 

PEB Director Lawrence Lahari sincerely thanked Prime Minister James Marape, ExxonMobil PNG, China Railway Construction Engineering Group, and the Chinese Ambassador to PNG for their support.

Prime Minister Marape assured the government’s support for BFPNG, but challenged President Peter, Director Lahari, and administrators of basketball across the country to spell out their plans.

“I want to appreciate the leadership of BFPNG President David Peter, BFPNG Patron Charles Abel, David Wereh, PEB Director Lawrence Lahari, and everyone involved in basketball,” he said.

“The government will give its support. However, I want your house to be in order, and we will support BFPNG’s vision from Amateur league to professional competition.”

A representative from ExxonMobil PNG announced that the oil and gas company is pleased to continue its support for the Port Moresby Elite Basketball for a third consecutive year. 

China Railway Construction Engineering Group General Manager Sam Jia said the company is proud to sponsor the second-tier competition this year. 

A representative from the Chinese Embassy in PNG also gave assurances of support for basketball in PNG. 

With the strong backing of the Government, ExxonMobil, China Railway Construction Engineering, and the Chinese Embassy, the Port Moresby Elite Basketball and Amateur League anticipate delivering a successful and competitive season, as BFPNG builds towards professionalizing the code.