The National Basketball League that was based in Canada lasted only one and a half seasons in 1993 and 1994. It rose from the ashes of the World Basketball League which folded after the 1992 season, which had teams in various Canadian and American cities. The NBL's first game was played on May 1, 1993 when the Cape Breton Breakers visited the Halifax Windjammers. The Breakers won the regular season championship with a 30-16 record, but they lost the championship finals to Saskatoon three games to one.
During the 1994 season there were rumours that the Cape Breton team was going to move to Saint John in mid-season, which never happened before the league folded on July 9, 1994. Halifax, which finished last in 1993, was in first place at the time the league had folded.
The league's president was Sam Katz and the commissioner was Tom Nissalke.
| Team | City | Arena | Seasons | Notes |
| Calgary Outlaws | Calgary, Alberta | Jack Simpson Gymnasium (University of Calgary) | 1994 | Expansion team |
| Cape Breton Breakers | Sydney, Nova Scotia | Centre 200 | 1993-94 | Expansion team |
| Halifax Windjammers | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Halifax Metro Centre | 1993-94 | Holdover from the WBL |
| Edmonton Skyhawks | Edmonton, Alberta | Northlands Coliseum | 1993 (playoffs)-94 | Moved from Hamilton |
| Hamilton Skyhawks | Hamilton, Ontario | Copps Coliseum | 1993 | Holdover from the WBL, moved to Edmonton |
| Montreal Dragons | Montreal, Quebec | Verdun Auditorium | 1993 | Expansion team |
| Saskatoon Slam | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Place | 1993-94 | Expansion team |
| Winnipeg Thunder | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Winnipeg Arena | 1993-94 | Holdover from the WBL |
In 1993, league teams also played games against some touring teams which counted in the league standings. These teams were: