Delaware Dawgs: Bringing ABA Basketball to Delaware

Basketball in Delaware is getting louder, more competitive, and more exciting—and the Delaware Dawgs are right in the middle of it.

Based in Wilmington, the Delaware Dawgs compete in the American Basketball Association (ABA), bringing professional men's basketball to the local community. But the Dawgs are about more than what happens on the scoreboard. The organization is building a basketball family focused on competition, opportunity, development, and community.

A New Season, A New Chapter

The 2026–27 season brings a renewed Delaware Dawgs roster and coaching staff. The team announced that its roster is locked and that Head Coach “Mac” Smith, along with Assistant Coaches Dre Horne and Mark Howard, will lead the team into the new ABA season. The Dawgs have announced October 17, 2026, as their season opener.

The message from the organization is clear: this team is ready to compete.

With a new group of players taking the court, fans have a chance to watch a team develop its identity throughout the season. Every practice, road game, and home game becomes part of that process.

More Than Just Men's Basketball

One of the most interesting things about Dawgs Basketball is that the organization isn't built around just one team.

The Delaware Dawgs represent the men's ABA program, while the Lady Dawgs compete in the WABA. The organization also has the Jr. Dawgs, a youth program designed to help develop the next generation of players.

Representing Delaware

Playing in the ABA gives the Delaware Dawgs an opportunity to represent Wilmington and Delaware against teams from throughout the region.

The Dawgs are currently listed in the ABA's East Region, Black Division, alongside teams including the New Jersey Soldiers, Connecticut Apex, Hartford Colts, and New York Wolverines.

That regional competition means Delaware basketball fans have an opportunity to see teams from across the Northeast come into town while following the Dawgs on the road.

The Dawgs Are Building Something

A basketball team is about much more than five players on the court.

It takes coaches, staff, volunteers, fans, families, sponsors, and a community willing to support the program. Dawgs Basketball actively invites people to get involved through opportunities such as game-day operations, concessions, ticketing, merchandise, statistics, and other team activities.

The Hunt Begins

For the Delaware Dawgs, the upcoming season represents a chance to put a new roster and coaching staff to work.

For Delaware basketball fans, it represents another opportunity to support local basketball and watch the Dawgs compete at the ABA level.

The season is here. The roster is set. The work is about to begin.

Delaware Dawgs basketball is ready for the next chapter—and the hunt begins.