Transformation of basketball competitions in Ukraine under martial law

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of the basketball competition system in Ukraine under martial law. The main factors that influenced the organization of the championships are identified: the destruction of sports infrastructure, the reduction of personnel potential, and the reduction of financial resources of communities. Changes in the format of the Super League and the Higher League competitions in the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons are analyzed, in particular, the reduction in the number of teams, the introduction of a «points» system, and the use of tournament tables based on the percentage of wins. The dual impact of «points» on the sports process is shown: reducing travel and risks for participants, but at the same time increasing the intensity of games and limiting training time. It is established that the percentage of wins system introduced by the FBU provides a fairer ranking of teams in unequal calendar conditions. It is concluded that the adaptation of the competition format has become a necessary condition for maintaining the continuity of the championships and sports intrigue under martial law.