The Bankers Football League has been officially launched for the 2026 season, with banks set to participate in what organisers have described as the biggest and most exciting edition yet.
The launch and balloting ceremony took place last Friday at the GCB Bank Head Office in Accra, bringing together representatives from participating banks, sponsors, partners and members of the media.
Founded in 2019 with just four pioneering institutions, the league has grown to include almost every bank in Ghana. Erica Bansah, representing the BFL organising team, recounted the journey from the inaugural season which featured Stanbic Bank, NIB Bank, Access Bank and Republic Bank.
"Those four banks believed in the vision, embraced the challenge, and helped lay the foundation for what has now become one of the most anticipated sporting events in the banking sector," she said.
She congratulated Stanbic Bank as the maiden champions and paid tribute to the current champions, urging them to continue to inspire excellence. "You set the standard with your discipline, teamwork, and fighting spirit. As you defend your title this season, may you continue to inspire excellence on and off the pitch. We salute you."
The 2026 season will feature an improved league format with enhanced officiating, better matchday experiences, increased media coverage and exciting awards. An additional highlight will be a bankers' football gala festival, scheduled for August 29, which will bring together participating institutions for a day of entertainment and football action.
Eight banks have confirmed their participation in the gala, which will feature two groups of four teams. UBA, UMB, Ecobank and Zenith Bank were drawn in Group A, while Bank of Ghana, GTCO, Stanbic Bank and Republic Bank will compete in Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
The 10 banks expected to compete in the league season are GCB Bank, Republic Bank, GTCO, SG Bank, UBA, UMB, Ecobank, Zenith Bank, Bank of Ghana and Stanbic Bank.
The Head of People and Culture at GCB Bank, Kwabena Yeboah, welcomed participants to the bank's premises and pledged GCB's continued support for the league. He noted that the competition provided a valuable opportunity for banking professionals to unwind from the demands of the industry.
"For us in people and culture, we know that a healthy mind always drives better than a healthy body. We are very much happy to have invited all of you here. Usually, we meet under different circumstances, fighting for business. So it's good for us to meet on occasions like this where we can have some fun," he said.
Mr Yeboah expressed confidence in GCB's prospects while playfully acknowledging the competitive spirit among the participating banks. "We are hoping that it will come to a time when we have over 20 banks participating. And even if all the 20 banks participate, we know that GCB will still win," he said to laughter from the audience.
The official balloting was conducted following the formal launch, with the match schedule and key dates for the season also unveiled. Nii Prince, on behalf of the organisers, offered a prayer for a successful gala and league season.
Ms Bansah encouraged teams to compete with passion, discipline, respect and integrity, noting that football teaches valuable lessons about leadership, resilience and teamwork that mirror success in the banking profession. "To the players, give your best every time you step onto the pitch. To the supporters, continue bringing the energy that makes our match days unforgettable," she said. "This is only the beginning. Together, we will continue building a legacy that future generations of bankers will be proud of."
