Fixtures
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
IR Reykjavik vs Grindavik
|
View |
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
KR Reykjavik vs Tindastoll
|
View |
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
Valur vs Stjarnan
|
View |
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
Njardvik vs Thor Thorl
|
View |
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
Keflavik vs Alftanes
|
View |
| 01/02 19:15 | 12 |
Hottur vs Haukar
|
View |
| 01/09 19:15 | 13 |
Alftanes vs Njardvik
|
View |
| 01/09 19:15 | 13 |
Thor Thorl vs Valur
|
View |
| 01/09 19:15 | 13 |
Stjarnan vs KR Reykjavik
|
View |
| 01/09 19:15 | 13 |
Tindastoll vs IR Reykjavik
|
View |
| 01/09 19:15 | 13 |
Keflavik vs Hottur
|
View |
| 01/09 20:15 | 13 |
Grindavik vs Haukar
|
View |
Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/20 19:30 | 11 |
[11] Valur vs Tindastoll
[2]
|
89-80 |
| 12/19 19:15 | 11 |
[8] Alftanes vs Hottur
[10]
|
89-92 |
| 12/19 19:15 | 11 |
[7] KR Reykjavik vs Grindavik
[3]
|
120-112 |
| 12/19 19:15 | 11 |
[4] Njardvik vs Stjarnan
[1]
|
90-100 |
| 12/19 19:15 | 11 |
[6] Keflavik vs Thor Thorl
[5]
|
105-86 |
| 12/18 19:15 | 11 |
[9] IR Reykjavik vs Haukar
[12]
|
93-96 |
| 12/13 19:30 | 10 |
[4] Grindavik vs Valur
[11]
|
97-90 |
| 12/13 19:00 | 10 |
[7] Thor Thorl vs Alftanes
[8]
|
89-78 |
| 12/12 19:15 | 10 |
[9] Hottur vs IR Reykjavik
[10]
|
79-82 |
| 12/12 19:15 | 10 |
[1] Stjarnan vs Keflavik
[5]
|
97-93 |
| 12/12 19:15 | 10 |
[2] Tindastoll vs Njardvik
[3]
|
94-76 |
| 12/12 19:15 | 10 |
[12] Haukar vs KR Reykjavik
[8]
|
88-97 |
Thor AK
Breidablik
Skallagrimur
Snaefell
Hamar
Fjolnir
Wikipedia - Úrvalsdeild karla (basketball)
Úrvalsdeild karla (English: Men's Premier League), also known as Bónus deild karla for sponsorship reasons, is the highest men's professional basketball competition among clubs in Iceland, where play determines the national champion. It is organized by the Icelandic Basketball Federation (Icelandic: Körfuknattleikssamband Íslands - KKÍ). The season consists of a home-and-away schedule of 22 games, followed by an eight-team playoff round. Quarterfinals, semifinals and finals series are best-of-five. The bottom clubs are relegated, and replaced by the top team from the regular-season phase and the four-team playoff round winner of the second-level First Division (Icelandic: 1. deild karla).
History
Creation and first years 1951-1959
The league was founded in 1951 as 1. deild karla (English: Men's 1st division) and its first season was played in April 1952 with five teams, Íþróttafélag Keflavíkurflugvallar (ÍKF), Íþróttafélag Reykjavíkur (ÍR), Íþróttafélag Stúdenta (ÍS), Gosi and Glímufélagið Ármann, participating. The team of ÍKF had the advantage of its close proximity with the US Naval Air Station at Keflavík International Airport and therefore could play competitive games with American players who had high school and college experience. They were furthermore coached by two American naval personnel, Gene Crowley and John Wahl. During the tournament, ÍKF won all four of its games with an average of 10.8 points.
For the first years decade the league was dominated by ÍKF (with 4 wins) and ÍR (with 3 wins); with ÍS finally breaking their dominance in 1959.
ÍR's dominance and the arrival of the Americans 1960-1980
From 1960 to 1964, ÍR, under the leadership of Helgi Jóhannsson, won five straight championships followed by KR winning four straight. From 1969 to 1977, ÍR added seven championships in 9 years. Its last victory in 1977 marked an end of an era and the rise of the Suðurnes rivals Keflavík and Njarðvík.
In September 1975, Jimmy Rogers became the first foreign born professional basketball player in Iceland when he signed a three-month contract with Ármann in preparations for their games against Honka Playboys in the FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup. Shortly later, KR signed fellow American Curtis Carter who immediately caught the attention of the fans and media with his powerful play and dunks. Together, they were credited for revolutionizing the Icelandic basketball scene. More Americans followed, including Rick Hockenos, Tim Dwyer and Danny Shouse.
Njarðvík's leadership
The next two decades, exactly from 1980–81 season to the 1997–98 season, Njarðvík (known as ÍKF until 1969) lead the league with 10 wins. In the same period, Keflavík won 4 titles and the KR won their eighth title.
Modern era
From the 2000–01 season, many teams have divided the lead of the league. In the 2005–06 season, the Njarðvík won their thirteenth title. In the following season, the 2006–07 season, the KR won their tenth title and one more year later, in the 2007–08 season, the Keflavík won their ninth title.
In July 2024, supermarket chain Bónus became the main sponsor of KKÍ, with the Úrvalsdeild taking the name Bónus deild karla.
Welcome to the Iceland Premier League, the pinnacle of basketball competition in Iceland! This thrilling tournament showcases the best talent from across the nation, bringing together elite teams and passionate fans in a celebration of athleticism, strategy, and sportsmanship.
**Tournament Overview:**
The Iceland Premier League features a dynamic format that includes both regular-season matchups and an exciting playoff series, culminating in a championship showdown. Teams from various regions compete for the coveted title, representing their communities with pride and determination.
**Season Structure:**
The league typically runs from late fall to early spring, with each team playing a series of games to accumulate points and secure their place in the playoffs. The top teams will battle it out in a best-of-five series, leading to the grand finale where the ultimate champion is crowned.
**Fan Experience:**
The Iceland Premier League is not just about the game; it’s an immersive experience for fans. With vibrant arenas, engaging halftime shows, and community events, spectators can enjoy a festive atmosphere that celebrates Icelandic culture and the love of basketball. Fans are encouraged to wear their team colors and join in the excitement, creating an electric environment that fuels the players on the court.
**Talent Showcase:**
The league serves as a platform for emerging talent, with many players showcasing their skills and vying for opportunities to play at higher levels, including international leagues. Coaches and scouts closely monitor the tournament, making it a critical stepping stone for aspiring athletes.
**Community Impact:**
The Iceland Premier League is committed to fostering community engagement and promoting youth basketball programs. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, the league aims to inspire the next generation of players and fans, ensuring the growth of the sport in Iceland.
Join us for the Iceland Premier League, where every dribble, shot, and slam dunk brings us closer to the heart of Icelandic basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, this tournament promises unforgettable moments and a celebration of athletic excellence!