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Basketligaen Norge

(Redirected from BLNO)

Basketligaen Norge, better known as BLNO, is a professional men's basketball league in Norway. It was established in 2000 following the rebranding of the former premier division Hovedserien (1974–2000). The competition is organised by the Norwegian Basketball Federation (NBBF). It is played with a regular season and playoff format.

BLNO
Organising bodyNBBF
Founded1974; 52 years ago (1974)
First season1974–75
CountryNorway
ConfederationFIBA Europe
Number of teams10
Level on pyramid1
Relegation to1. divisjon
Domestic cupNorwegian Cup
Current championsFyllingen Basketballklubb (3rd title)
(2025–26)
Most championshipsAsker Aliens
(6 titles)
Websitewww.basket.no/blno

History

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Basketligaen Norge was established in 2000, replacing the former Hovedserien that had run since 1974.[1] The creation of the league aimed to professionalize basketball in Norway and improve its competitive level.[2]

During the 2000s, BLNO grew steadily, expanding its team roster and introducing playoffs to enhance the excitement and audience engagement.[3] Clubs like Asker Aliens emerged as dominant, securing multiple titles and raising the league’s profile.[4]

In the late 2010s, the league faced financial difficulties and fluctuating team participation, but efforts were made to stabilize and revitalize the competition.[5] The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellation of the 2020–21 season, disrupting league operations.[6]

Recent investments in youth development programs and media partnerships, such as with MyGame streaming, have helped increase the league’s visibility and fan base.[7]

Format

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The season consists of a regular season followed by playoffs, which determine the league champion. The lowest-ranked teams are relegated to the 1. divisjon.[8]

Current teams (2024–25)

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2024–25 teams

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TeamCityArena
AmmerudOsloApallokka
Asker AliensAskerVollenhallen
BærumBærumRykkinnhallen
Centrum TigersOsloVulkanhallen
FrøyaBergenFrøya Idrettspark
FyllingenFramohallen
GimleGimlehallen
Kongsberg MinersKongsbergKongsberghallen
Nidaros JetsTrondheimTrondheim Spektrum
Oppsal PanthersOsloOppsal Arena
Tromsø StormTromsøTromsøhallen

Former teams

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Club
 First season in
top division		 Number of seasons
in top division		 Top division
titles		 Last title
Bergen Bulldogs2001–021–n/a
Bærums Verk Jets2000–01512003–04
Fjellhamar Stallions2006–073–n/a
Frøya Ambassadors2002–033–n/a
Harstad Vikings2000–011012005–06
Kongsberg Penguins2000–017–n/a
Kristiansand Pirates2000–019–n/a
Langhus2011–121–n/a
Oslo Kings2000–01212000–01
Ulriken Eagles2000–011122008–09
Vålerenga Kings2002–031–n/a

Finals

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Season Champion Result Runner-up
2000–01Oslo Kings3–2Kongsberg Penguins
2001–02Asker Aliens3–0Kongsberg Penguins
2002–03Asker Aliens3–0Harstad Vikings
2003–04Bærum Basket3–2Harstad Vikings
2004–05Asker Aliens3–0Harstad Vikings
2005–06Harstad Vikings3–2Asker Aliens
2006–07Ulriken Eagles3–1Harstad Vikings
2007–08Asker Aliens3–0Harstad Vikings
2008–09Ulriken Eagles3–2Tromsø Storm
2009–10Asker Aliens3–1Tromsø Storm
2010–11Bærum3–2Tromsø Storm
2011–12Frøya80–78Asker Aliens
2012–13Bærum81–65Tromsø Storm
2013–14Gimle102–68Ammerud
2014–15Asker Aliens81–75Bærum
2015–16Centrum Tigers85–71Tromsø Storm
2016–17Centrum Tigers87–74Gimle
2017–18Kongsberg Miners2–1Asker Aliens
2018–19Kongsberg Miners2–1Gimle
2019–20Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21
2021–22 Gimle 3–1 Bærum
2022–23 Gimle 3–1 Frøya Ambassadors
2023–24 Fyllingen BBK [no] 3–0 Bærum
2024–25 Fyllingen BBK [no] 3–2 Kongsberg Miners
2025–26 Fyllingen BBK [no] 3–2 Gimle

Awards

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Most Valuable Player

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Finals MVP

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Young Player of the Year

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Defensive Player of the Year

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References

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  1. ↑ "New era for Norwegian basketball as BLNO launches". Oslo Times. September 15, 2000. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Norwegian basketball aims higher with BLNO". Nordic Basket News. February 10, 2001. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  3. ↑ "BLNO expands and embraces playoffs format". Sporten Posten. May 3, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Asker Aliens dominate Norwegian basketball". Oslo Times. April 22, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Challenges and recovery in Norwegian basketball". Norwegian Sports Daily. November 5, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  6. ↑ "BLNO cancels 2020-21 season due to COVID-19". Sporten Posten. March 18, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  7. ↑ "New media deals boost BLNO visibility". Nordic Basket News. February 20, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  8. ↑ "BLNO Competition Format". Eurobasket. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
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