WLAF Launches Into BTL Basketball League Season 2026 Targeting Team Quality Upgrade
WLAF, rebranded from WHITE LIONs through a partnership with the Air Force, launches its 2026 Basketball Thailand League campaign with a focus on building sustainable team growth and a professional sports brand over 3-5 years rather than cha
WHITE LIONs has partnered with Air Force to rebrand as WLAF, launching their campaign for the 2026 Basketball Thailand League season with a vision centered on Sports Business and a comprehensive athletic ecosystem, targeting long-term team growth. The rebrand marks a significant milestone following WHITE LIONs' sixth-place finish in the 2025 Basketball Thailand League. The Air Force partnership aims to establish solid team foundations over 3-5 years across athlete development, staff, and management operations, pushing the team toward stronger and more sustainable performance standards.
WLAF team manager Kriengsak Chaiwirot stated that the Air Force collaboration represents a crucial starting point for long-term team development, focusing not just on single-season performance but on building a structurally sound team with continuous growth potential. For the 2026 season, WLAF will merge players from both White Lions and Air Force, supported by experienced coaching staff including former Thai national team player Danai Khongkhum, alongside national team athletes Nopachai Thongphul, Tacharin Daydeent Narbonne, and foreign players Marc Seylan-Anbo and Ray Miller. The team also plans to develop an academy for nurturing young athletes.
Beyond competitive performance, WLAF is establishing itself as a professional sports brand through branding and partnership management to elevate Thai basketball. Partnership & Brand Manager Alongkorn Rueanglek emphasized that modern sports team building encompasses more than competition results—it requires building a strong brand, community, and ecosystem. WLAF aims to become a sports brand with clear identity that can grow alongside partners and fans long-term. Current supporters include TA WHEEY as main sponsor, VOLT as apparel provider, Heal U Wellness Clinic for athlete care, Kanokrob sausage products, and FYB at The O2 Bangkok serving as the team's home venue.
The WLAF launch on May 23, 2025, at FYB Academy in Bangkok represented not just a team rebrand but a comprehensive sports ecosystem development initiative designed to drive sustainable growth and advance Thai basketball's long-term future.
