Registration opened on the afternoon of 17/8 for two categories: VYB Championship 5x5 and VYB Festival 3x3. The Championship 5x5 is the traditional format that has built the tournament's brand over three years. Participants are high school (THPT) basketball teams from Hanoi. This year, organizers increased the number of participating teams by 12.
The number of men's teams increased from 24 to 32, and women's teams from 12 to 16. A total of 48 teams will participate, up from 36 last season. The competition format remains unchanged from last season, featuring two stages: a group stage (four teams per group) and direct-elimination playoffs.
Teams can register for the tournament from 17/8 to 23/8.
The Festival 3x3 category provides a platform for clubs in Hanoi, unlike the Championship 5x5 which is limited to high school (THPT) teams. This category features 40 teams, including 24 men's and 16 women's teams, divided into two groups: U18 for athletes aged 18 and under who play for clubs, and Pro, open to professional or semi-professional athletes of any age.
The 5x5 group stage will take place from 10/10 to 1/11, followed by the quarterfinals from 6 to 8/11, the semi-finals on 15/11, and the final on 29/11. Prior to this, the list of participating teams will be announced on 26/8, and the technical meeting and group draw will be held on 2/10. The tournament's opening ceremony is slated for 11/10.
For the Festival 3x3, teams will play their group stage matches on 20/11. A dedicated opening ceremony for this category is scheduled for 21/11. The final, closing ceremony, and awards presentation will conclude the season on 22/11.
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A contested ball during the women's final of the 2025 Hanoi season between Phan Dinh Phung High School (THPT) and Vinschool The Harmony. *Photo: Giang Huy* |
Alongside the matches, organizers are introducing a series of concurrent activities designed to enrich the experience for athletes and spectators. The VYB Spotlight series will feature: "The Face of VYB 2026" public vote and the Team ModeOn Challenge, encouraging teams to develop their brand image and create digital content.
In November, the "Slay Hard, Play Harder" School Tour program will visit high schools (THPT) in Hanoi, offering basketball skill clinics, school health awareness activities, and featuring guest athletes and renowned artists.
Moreover, at the competition venue, spectators can engage in the VYB Fan Zone, which will host interactive activities, mini-games, and performances. They can also explore the VYB Brand Zone provided by the tournament's partners.
The VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament - Ziaja Cup (VYB), established in 2024, has become an annual platform for high school (THPT) students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM). In 5/2026, the second season in Ho Chi Minh City and the inter-regional Super Cup concluded, with both men's and women's championships claimed by Vinschool Central Park. The tournament is organized by VnExpress newspaper in partnership with FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, supported by Ziaja Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics.
Thy An
