Basketball

ESPN Africa (www.ESPN.com) has secured exclusive multiyear English pay TV broadcast rights to the NBA Finals across sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the channel's world-class basketball offering and bringing fans even closer to one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the planet.

The rights package also includes coverage of additional NBA Sunday Night regular season games each season, both Conference Finals each year, as well as exclusive rights to the NBA Finals.

The 2026 NBA Finals will be played between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in the customary best-of-seven format. The Knicks swept the Eastern Conference Finals 4 - 0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Spurs won a dramatic seven-game Western Conference Finals series 4 - 3 against Oklahoma City Thunder.

All games will air live across ESPN (Azam 120, DStv 218, StarTimes 248, Wananchi / Zuku TV 712, ZAP 31) and ESPN2 (Azam 121, DStv 219, StarTimes 249, Wananchi / Zuku TV 713, ZAP 32), as well as on Disney+ in South Africa. In addition to the live broadcasts, repeat airings are scheduled during the day, giving fans maximum flexibility and multiple opportunities to catch the action.

The road to NBA glory begins

The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to run from Wednesday, 3 June to Friday, 19 June should the series go to a decisive Game 7. All games will tip off at 02:30 CAT, with ESPN bringing African audiences every dramatic moment as it happens, live, from the United States.

The NBA commands a massive, passionate global following, with millions of fans across Africa closely following the league's biggest stars, rivalries and defining moments. From sold out arenas and iconic franchises to viral highlights and superstar athletes, the NBA has become one of the most recognisable sporting brands in the world.

Last season saw the Oklahoma City Thunder crowned NBA champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the Finals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

African stars continue to play a major role in the NBA's global growth and popularity, with players including Cameroon's Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid, South Sudan's rookie Khaman Maluach and global sensation Victor Wembanyama all helping to fuel the league's growing fan base across the continent. Wembanyama, who has ties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has rapidly become one of the NBA's most exciting young superstars, captivating fans worldwide with his remarkable skill, athleticism and larger-than-life presence on court.

A new era of basketball on ESPN Africa

The addition of the NBA Finals rights further expands ESPN Africa's growing basketball portfolio alongside its broad range of premier international sporting content.

Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, says the acquisition marks an exciting moment for basketball fans across the region. “The NBA is one of the biggest and most celebrated sports properties in the world, with an incredibly passionate fan base across Africa. We are thrilled to bring audiences exclusive access to the NBA Finals over the next three seasons, alongside the Conference Finals and Sunday Night games. From superstar players and unforgettable rivalries to dramatic playoff moments, this is world-class basketball entertainment at its very best.”

So, who will lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2026? There is only one way to find out.

For updates regarding the ESPN and its programming, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.ESPN.com. 

ESPN: Azam 120, DStv 218, StarTimes 248, Wananchi / Zuku TV 712, ZAP 31.

ESPN2: Azam 121, DStv 219, StarTimes 249, Wananchi / Zuku TV 713, ZAP 32.

ESPN linear channels are available on Disney+ in South Africa

• All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
• Schedule subject to change

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ESPN.

About ESPN:
ESPN, Inc., is the world's leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and reaches sports fans globally through 43 linear networks across 130 countries and territories and via streaming, where ESPN live events are available on Disney+ throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and the Philippines.

About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company's direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA. 

•  RSSB Tigers Become First BAL Champion from Rwanda

• Tigers Guard Craig Randall II Named 2026 BAL Most Valuable Player, Receives Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy

• BAL Sets Records Across Attendance, Social Media Engagement, and Partner Support 

Rwanda's RSSB Tigers today defeated Angola's Petro de Luanda 90-88 to win the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) Championship, which took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, and reached fans in 214 countries and territories.  The Tigers are the first team from Rwanda to win the BAL Championship.

The 2026 BAL season set records across attendance, social media engagement, and partner support.  More than 110,000 fans attended BAL games this season, including record attendance for the group phase games in South Africa and Morocco.  The BAL generated a record of more than 1.1 billion views on social media this season, and a record 22 marketing, merchandising and institutional partners supported the league throughout the season.

Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented the RSSB Tigers with the BAL Championship Trophy and Tigers guard Craig Randall II with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2026 BAL Most Valuable Player Award.  Randall recorded per game averages of 36.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists during the season, setting a BAL record for most points in game when he scored 54 points against Tanzania's Dar City on April 4.

The Tigers went 6-2 during the Kalahari Conference group phase and Playoffs, defeating Morocco's FUS Rabat and Egypt's Al Ahly in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Championship.  Libya's Al Ahly Ly defeated Al Ahly 106-98 in the third-place game earlier today.

Notable attendees throughout the 2026 BAL Playoffs and Finals included NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum; FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis; NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi; Fall; Manave; Dallas Mavericks President and Alternate Governor Masai Ujiri; BAL Ambassadors Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Ian Mahinmi and Chiney Ogwumike; WNBA legend and Boston Celtics Vice President of Team Operations and Organizational Growth Allison Feaster; and former WNBA player and 2026 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee Clarisse Machanguana.

The BAL has also announced the Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sportsmanship Award winner, All-BAL First Team, All-BAL Second Team, All-BAL Defensive First Team, All-BAL Defensive Second Team and Ubuntu Award winner.  The voting panels varied for each award and comprised fans, coaches, team captains, media, broadcasters, and scouts.

2026 BAL Coach of the Year

RSSB Tigers head coach Henry Mwinuka led the team to a 4-1 record and first-place finish in the Kalahari Conference group phase before leading the team to its first BAL Championship.  Mwinuka is the first Tanzanian to win the award.

2026 BAL Defensive Player of the Year

RSSB Tigers center Mangok Mathiang received The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy after helping his team to a 7-2 record and recording per game averages of 16 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

2026 BAL Sportsmanship Award

Al Ahly Ly point guard Mohamed Sadi received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

2026 BAL Ubuntu Trophy Presented by Qatar Foundation

On May 27, Nairobi City Thunder forward Ariel Koranga was honored with the 2026 BAL Ubuntu Award in recognition of his efforts in his native Kenya to use basketball to empower young women.  Through a program that combines basketball training with mentorship, education, life skills and mental health support, he has reached more than 300 athletes across the country, including from underserved communities.

2026 All-BAL First Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Childe Dundão	Petro de Luanda
Guard	Craig Randall II	RSSB Tigers
Guard/Forward	Donovan Williams	Al Ahly Ly
Forward	Majok Deng	Al Ahly Ly
Forward/Center	Mangok Mathiang	RSSB Tigers

2026 All-BAL Second Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Omar Abada	Club Africain
Guard	Zachary Lofton	Al Ahly
Guard/Forward	Kevin Murphy	Al Ahly
Forward	Aboubakar Gakou	Petro de Luanda
Forward/Center	Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.	Al Ahly Ly

2026 All-BAL Defensive First Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Childe Dundão	Petro de Luanda
Guard	Mohamed Sadi	Al Ahly Ly
Guard/Forward	Aminu Mohammed	Club Africain
Forward	Mouhamadou Diagne	FUS Rabat
Forward/Center	Mangok Mathiang	RSSB Tigers

2026 All-BAL Defensive Second Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	David Michineau	Dar City
Guard	Axel Toupane	ASC Ville de Dakar
Guard/Forward	Majok Deng	Al Ahly Ly
Forward	Osayi Osifo	Al Ahly
Forward/Center	Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.	Al Ahly Ly

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 637 70 62
Manamba@theBAL.com

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The 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) Playoffs tipped off on Friday, May 22 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, and will culminate with the 2026 BAL Finals on Sunday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m. CAT.  For the complete schedule, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4dL0rt5).

Eight teams have qualified for the Playoffs: Al Ahly (Egypt), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal), Club Africain (Tunisia), Dar City (Tanzania), FUS Rabat (Morocco), 2024 BAL champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) and the RSSB Tigers (Rwanda), with the top four teams advancing to the single-game semifinals and Finals.

The Playoffs and Finals are livestreaming to fans around the world on www.NBA.com, the NBA App, and www.BAL.NBA.com.  Tickets are on sale now at www.BAL.NBA.com.

Below are facts and figures about the 2026 BAL season:

• 722,000,000 – Heading into the Playoffs, the BAL's social media channels had generated more than 722 million views this season, a record for group phase play.

• 1,073 – On April 5, Petro de Luanda's Childe Dundão became the all-time BAL record holder for minutes played with 1,073 minutes across all six BAL seasons.

• 75,000 – Nearly 75,000 fans attended the Kalahari Conference and Sahara Conference group phases in South Africa and Morocco, respectively, a record for group phase play in those countries.

• 1,000 – BAL games have generated a 1,000% year-over-year increase in total watch time on BAL.NBA.com and the NBA App.

• 215 – Al Ahly Ly and Dar City combined to score a BAL record 215 points in Al Ahly Ly's 118-97 victory on March 31.

• 214 – BAL games reach fans in 214 countries and territories, including all 54 countries in Africa.

• 200 – The BAL celebrated its 200^th game on April 1 when Petro de Luanda defeated Nairobi City Thunder 97-70.

• 54 – RSSB Tigers guard Craig Randall II scored a BAL-record 54 points in a loss to Dar City on April 4.

• 30 – Thirty players who competed at FIBA AfroBasket 2025 are participating in the Playoffs.

• 22 – A record 22 marketing, merchandising and institutional partners have supported the BAL this season: AB InBev; Afreximbank; Air Senegal; Amazon Web Services; Bank of Kigali; Fédération Royale Marocaine de BasketBall; FLEXX; the French Embassy of Senegal; Greenride Africa; Hyundai; the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sport; Office National Marocain du Tourisme; PUMA; Qatar Foundation; QAVS; Rwanda Development Board; RwandAir; Rwanda Events; ServiceNow; South African Tourism; Wave; and Wilson.

• 11 – Eleven of the 16 teams that competed at FIBA AfroBasket 2025 have at least one player in the Playoffs.

• 8 – A record eight former NBA players have competed in the BAL this season: Damion Baugh and Donovan Williams (Al Ahly Ly), Michael Foster Jr. (Dar City), Mangok Mathiang (RSSB Tigers), Kevin Murphy (Al Ahly), Chasson Randle (Petro de Luanda), Hasheem Thabeet (Dar City) and Axel Toupane (ASC Ville de Dakar).  Toupane is the first NBA champion to play in the BAL, having won the 2021 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.

• 5 – Five players have competed in all six BAL seasons: Abdoulaye Harouna (FUS Rabat), Ater Majok (ASC Ville de Dakar), Gerson Domingos (Petro de Luanda), Dundão and Solo Diabate (ASC Ville de Dakar).

• 3 – Baugh became the first player in BAL history to record a triple-double in his first BAL season, finishing with 11 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 110-72 win over Dar City on April 4.

• 2 – On May 3, Al Ahly defeated FUS Rabat 77-71 in the second double-overtime game in BAL history.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its sixth season in March, 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4uBnKg0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4dwErmI), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dLk97O), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v9rpBC), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wMkaB4) and register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.

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– Collaboration Supports BAL's Social Impact and Court Development Programming Across Africa –

– 2026 BAL Season Will Continue with Playoffs and Finals in Kigali, Rwanda from May 22-31 –

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (http://BAL.NBA.com) and Qatar Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports human and social development through programs focused on education, research and innovation, and community development, today announced a multiyear collaboration that makes Qatar Foundation the BAL's first Official Community Partner.

Through the collaboration, which is being facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments, Qatar Foundation is supporting the BAL's social impact programming and efforts to make basketball more accessible across the continent, including through court renovations as part of NBA Africa's broader commitment to build 1,000 courts across the continent, and BAL4HER – the league's platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

As part of the collaboration, Qatar Foundation will also serve as Presenting Partner of the BAL's Ubuntu Trophy, which is awarded annually to a BAL player who has made an impact on the local community during the BAL season.  Qatar Foundation's logo is also displayed on the back of all BAL game uniforms.

“At Qatar Foundation, we believe that the true strength of a nation lies in the wellbeing and potential of its people,” said Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.  “We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change. It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. It brings people together, creating bonds across backgrounds and building communities around shared purpose.

“Our vision is to harness this power of sport for good, ensuring that it is accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of all.  We are committed to creating environments where participation is safe, welcoming and inspiring, and where the values of teamwork, discipline and leadership are nurtured.”

“Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent.”

Beginning this season, Qatar Foundation is supporting BAL4HER Power Hours in each BAL host city, which connects young women pursuing careers in the sports industry with leading executives and practitioners through structured conversations, networking and immersive programming – creating a platform for visibility, relationship-building and professional advancement within the African sports ecosystem.

The collaboration builds on Qatar Foundation's broader work in harnessing sport for social development alongside Qatar Sports Investments – a leading strategic investment group in sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle – reinforcing a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for opportunity, inclusion and long‑term community impact.  Qatar Foundation leads and supports sport-for-development programs, including in Africa, that prioritize agency and ownership, culturally grounded delivery, safeguarding, and active community participation, with its sport-focused efforts in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region, and internationally having a particular emphasis on enabling and empowering sporting participation among women and girls.

The 2026 BAL season has featured 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries playing a total of 42 games across the Kalahari Conference group phase from March 27 – April 5 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa; the Sahara Conference group phase from April 24 – May 3 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco; and the Playoffs and Finals from May 22 – 31 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

Eight teams have qualified for the 2026 BAL Playoffs: Petro de Luanda (Angola), Al Ahly (Egypt), the RSSB Tigers (Rwanda), Club Africain (Tunisia), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), FUS Rabat (Morocco), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal) and Dar City (Tanzania).  In the opening game on Friday, May 22, Al Ahly will take on ASC Ville de Dakar at 4 p.m. CAT, followed by the RSSB Tigers facing FUS Rabat at 7 p.m. CAT.  Tickets for Playoffs and Finals are on sale at http://apo-opa.co/4uL8xZp.  Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at BK Arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contacts:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League 
+221 78 637 70 62
manamba@nba.com

Quatar Foundation Press Office
pressoffice@qf.org.qa

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its sixth season in March 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/42u4Rzj), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4wunhNS), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3PF2WF6), X (https://apo-opa.co/48VF7zw), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nvUxQW) and register their interest in receiving more information at http://BAL.NBA.com.

About Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential:
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization focused on education, research and innovation, and community development that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy.  Across its ecosystem comprising more than 50 entities, QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond through its work across progressive education, sustainability, artificial intelligence, precision healthcare, and social progress.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education.  This vision has evolved into a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge offering opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering innovation, and empowering people to be socially engaged citizens and drivers of positive change.

This diverse and interconnected ecosystem comprises a world-class education landscape spanning the full spectrum of learning from pre-school to post-doctoral level; research, innovation, and policy centers addressing global challenges; alongside community facilities for people of all ages to seek knowledge, embrace active lifestyles, and expand their horizons within QF's Education City, spanning 12 square kilometers in Doha, Qatar.  Through a unique approach to multidisciplinary, global education, Education City represents Qatar Foundation's large-scale legacy investment focused on building human capacity for the future of Qatar, the region, and the world.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: www.QF.org.qa.  To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/49KjbaE), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/43cNZ01), X (https://apo-opa.co/436a6VU) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4dHN65L).

While the action on the court reached fever pitch, the sidelines of the Kalahari Conference proved that the Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) is far more than a sports league—it is one of the continent's most anticipated cultural event. Over the past ten days, Pretoria transformed into the ultimate cultural crossroads, attracting a "who's who" of African entertainment, fashion, and business.

A Historic East African Takeover

History was made as Tanzania's first-ever participating team, Dar City, led by Captain and NBA veteran Hasheem Thabeet, took to the court. The support from Dar es Salaam was bolstered by a high-profile delegation, including Club President Mussa Mzenji, Bongo Flava superstar Harmonize, and visionary businessman Sallam SK. Their presence brought an unmistakable East African energy to the SunBet Arena, reinforcing the BAL's role as a unifying force for Africa's creative and sporting industries.

Adding to the prestige, BAL Champion and hitmaker Bien-Aimé Baraza joined the final weekend of competition. With his latest hit "Finale" currently dominating charts as the #1 song in South and East Africa, his presence underscored the league's deep connection to the pulse of African music.

A "Triple-Double" of Star Power

The entertainment lineup kept the SunBet Arena electrified throughout the conference:

• The Amapiano & Rap Elite: A non-stop rotation of South Africa's hottest artists—including Nasty C, Young Stunna, Usimamane, Scott Maphuma, Ciza, Toss, and Kamo Mpela—quite literally tore the arena to pieces with high-octane performances.
   
• The Global Sound: International tastemaker Smallgod was joined by Uncle Vinny, Uncle Cool, and Harmonize, turning the arena into a pan-African celebration of sound.
   
• The Pretoria Takeover: Local heroes EEQue and Ch'cco brought the house down on the final game day, concluding ten days of basketball celebration with a definitive hometown anthem.

Courtside Glamour: The "Place to Be"

The Kalahari Conference was officially the season's most coveted invite, featuring a rotating guest list of influential figures:

• Icons of Screen & Style: Nomzamo Mbatha, Pearl Thusi (attending with daughter Thando Mokoena), Ama Qamata, Natasha Thahane, Hope Mbhele, Cedric Fourie, Kwenzo Ngocobo, and Kim Jayde.
   
• Media & Digital Royalty: Tbo Touch, DJ Speedsta, Sinaye Kotobe, Robert Marawa, Thando Thabethe, Duma Ntando, Unarine Ramban, Primo Baloyi, Sally “6Lingg” Lin, Celeste Ntuli, Siv and Bruce.
   
• The New Wave: Robot Boii (a staple throughout the conference), Liema Phatsi, Annie Mtembu, Juicy Jay, and Qhawe Mazaleni.
   
• Football Royalty: Kaizer Chiefs executive Jessica Motaung, Linda Mntambo, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebohang Maboe and Fortune Makaringe.
   
• Love & Basketball: Power couples Tino Chinyani & Simphiwe Ngema, along with Prince Grootboom & Rorisang Mohapi Grootboom, brought a touch of romance to the front row.

Setting the Benchmark

From "Tunnel Walks" showcasing player fashion to the star-studded front rows, the Kalahari Conference has set a new benchmark for how sports drive the lifestyle conversation in Africa. As the league prepares for the Sahara Conference in Rabat and the highly anticipated Finals in Kigali, the message remains clear: the BAL is the continent's most vibrant lifestyle platform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Download Media Assets here: https://apo-opa.co/3O6lBsN. Media Assets include: Red carpet arrivals, Bien-Aimé & Harmonize, Tanzanian Supporters and high-energy red carpet images of celebrities who attended the event.

• BAL Will Return to Morocco for Group Phase and Rwanda for Playoffs and Finals
• Fans Can Visit https://BAL.NBA.com to Register Their Interest in Tickets 

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) today announced that the league's sixth season will tip off on Friday, March 27 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, and culminate with 2026 BAL Finals on Sunday, May 31 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The 2026 BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing 42 games in Pretoria; Rabat, Morocco; and Kigali.

This season, the 12 teams will be divided into two conferences of six teams each.  Each conference will play a 15-game group phase during which each team will face the other five teams in its conference once. The Kalahari Conference group phase will take place from March 27 – Sunday, April 5 in Pretoria.  The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Friday, April 24 – Sunday, May 3 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.  Eight teams from across the two conferences will qualify for the Playoffs in Kigali from Friday, May 22 – May 31. Fans can visit https://BAL.NBA.com to register their interest in tickets.     

“Returning to South Africa, Morocco and Rwanda for our sixth season speaks to the strong sporting cultures and rapidly growing basketball ecosystems in those countries,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “The BAL continues to inspire fans across the continent and drive opportunities and global recognition for African talent. We look forward to welcoming fans to BAL games in all three markets and to showcasing incredible competition and energy on and off the court to a global audience when the season tips off.”

“As we approach the tip off of the sixth Basketball Africa League season, we can celebrate the league's growing impact and the way this competition continues to elevate the game across the region,” said FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave. “We also continue to see the importance of the Road to the BAL as a pathway that expands access and strengthens competition across the continent.  Entering the sixth season with such momentum is a testament to the BAL's influence on players, clubs and communities, and we look forward to another year of exceptional basketball.”

In addition to the games, the BAL will celebrate the convergence of basketball and African culture through the music, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment that surrounds today's game, highlighted by appearances from leading celebrities and influencers. The league will also collaborate with its partners to host basketball development and social impact programming in the three host markets as well as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal, including youth, coach and referee clinics, children's literacy and educational initiatives, media networking, and a series of camps and workshops for young women as part of BAL4HER, the league's platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

Rwanda Development Board will return as BAL Foundational Partner. Additional BAL partners include Afreximbank, Air Senegal, Amazon Web Services, Castle Lite, the French Embassy in Senegal, and RwandAir.

On June 14, 2025, Libya's Alahli Tripoli became the first Libyan team to win the BAL Finals after previous champions from Angola, Egypt and Tunisia. The 2025 BAL season reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages, set an attendance record of more than 140,000 fans, and generated more than 1.2 billion impressions across NBA and BAL social media channels. 

The 12 participating teams and additional information about the 2026 BAL season will be announced at a later date.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 637 70 62
Manamba@thebal.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its sixth season in March 2026. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@ theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4a3e6cP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/49QviUl), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4te8eGO), X (https://apo-opa.co/4rhzdiB), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4a964zj) and register their interest in receiving more information at https://BAL.NBA.com.

• NBA REC University Tournament Will Feature Men's and Women's Teams from 40 Public and Private Universities Across Five Cities in Egypt
• Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Tournament Will Expand to Include Nearly 150 Boys' and Girls' Teams from More than 50 Private Schools in Alexandria and Cairo

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and Senyorita For Food Industries, a leading manufacturer of snack foods in Egypt, through its chip brand Lion, yesterday announced a collaboration to launch the NBA's first university basketball tournament on the continent and the largest Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA tournament ever in Egypt.

The announcement was made by Senyorita Chief Operating Officer Sherif El Nokaly and Head of NBA Egypt Mohamed Motaleb-Abdel Soliman at a signing ceremony in Cairo.

The NBA REC University Tournament will feature 3-on-3 competition between men's and women's teams from 40 public and private universities across five cities: Alexandria, Assyiut, Cairo, Giza and Mansoura.  Operated by Events Plus, the league will tip off in April and conclude with the playoffs and finals in Cairo in May.

Lion joins existing partners Allianz and Maven Developments as Official Partners of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA tournament in Egypt, which this year will expand to include nearly 150 boys' and girls' teams of youth ages 14 and under from more than 50 private schools in Cairo, and for the first time, Alexandria.  The expanded tournament – also operated by Events Plus – tipped off in Dec. 2025 with the Eastern Conference in New Cairo and the Western Conference in New Giza and will culminate with the playoffs in February and finals in April.

“Our collaboration with the NBA aligns perfectly with our mission to bring people together,” said Nokaly.  “Whether it's families, fans, or young athletes, we're proud to support and inspire athletic communities through both great snacks and great moments.”

“Our collaboration with Senyorita is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create more opportunities for Egyptian youth to learn and play basketball,” said Soliman.  “The NBA REC University Tournament and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA tournament will provide structured environments for aspiring players across the country to progress in their development while learning important values like teamwork, leadership and respect.”

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, the league's global youth basketball program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills and core values of the game – teamwork, respect, determination and community – at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents.  Last year, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programming reached more than 390,000 youth in more than 40 countries across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contacts:
Amanda Khumalo
NBA Africa Communications
akhumalo@nba.com
+27 64 099 4878

Mariam Bahgat
Senyorita Marketing Director
+1 (470) 269 8485

About Senyorita:
Senyorita is a leading producer of high-quality, delicious, and innovative snack foods crafted to bring joy to every moment.  With a commitment to exceptional taste, top-grade ingredients, and continuous product development, Senyorita has become a trusted household name for families seeking convenient and flavorful snack options.  Our diverse portfolio—from classic crisps to bold, modern flavors—reflects our passion for creating unforgettable snacking experiences.  At Senyorita, we believe great taste should be shared, and we work every day to deliver products that inspire smiles, spark excitement, and turn ordinary moments into something special.

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.  Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

• Reborn (Morocco), Fitclan (Egypt), Athlon Technology (Egypt), Atsur (Nigeria) and Songdis (Nigeria) Win Top Prizes, Including Financial Support and Opportunity to Join Carnegie Mellon University Africa's Business Incubation Program
• OpenAI Joins as Official Partner of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator Demo Day

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the five prize-winning startup companies from the second edition of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator (https://TripleDoubleAccelerator.NBA.com), which the league launched last year to support the continent's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs. 

The five winning companies – 1) Reborn (Morocco), 2) Fitclan (Egypt), 3) Athlon Technology (Egypt), 4) Atsur (Nigeria) and 5) Songdis (Nigeria) – were awarded financial support and the opportunity to join Carnegie Mellon University Africa's (CMU-Africa) 12-month Business Incubation Program as part of its Innovation Hub, which helps African tech startups transform proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services (valued at up to $70,000). The top three companies also each received $10,000 in Application Programming Interface (API) credits and an immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.

The 10 finalists, which were selected from more than 700 applicants across 32 African countries, pitched their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day today at CMU-Africa in Kigali, Rwanda. The judges were CMU-Africa Director Dr. Conrad Tucker, OpenAI Africa Lead Emmanuel Lubanzadio, and ServiceNow Africa Vice President & Managing Director Cheick Camara and Head of Strategy & Operations Nikki van Gasse. 

The Demo Day was supported by CMU-Africa, ServiceNow and OpenAI.  ALX Ventures once again served as the Official Operating Partner of the program in its second year.  Together, the partners are contributing distinct expertise to strengthen the support for early-stage African startups.

Below are the five winning companies:

• 1^st place: Reborn (https://RebornSportsTech.com) (Morocco), which offers comprehensive performance indicators that give athletes deep insights into their physical condition and on-field performance, essential for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and optimizing overall performance, was awarded $25,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
• 2^nd place: Fitclan (https://Fitclan.co) (Egypt), a digital fitness hub that leverages a flexible subscription model for individuals and corporate clients, was awarded $15,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
• 3^rd place: Athlon Technology (https://AthlonTechnology.com) (Egypt), which aims to leverage accessible mobile technology and AI to provide video analysis for amateur and budget-constrained sports teams while addressing a market gap with a user-friendly, hardware-light solution, was awarded $5,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
• 4^th place: Atsur (www.Atsur.art) (Nigeria), which leverages blockchain technology to promote investment in African art and support artists and art communities, was awarded $2,500 in cash and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program.
• 5^th place: Songdis (www.Songdis.com) (Nigeria), which provides comprehensive digital distribution and services tailored for African independent artists and labels, was awarded $2,500 in cash and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program.

“We continue to be amazed by the creative, talented and passionate entrepreneurs who participate in NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “The 10 finalists and five prize-winning companies differentiated themselves through their bold and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of sport and entertainment in Africa.  The support they receive from this program will help them scale their products and make a lasting impact on the continent and globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.  Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) and Wave Côte d'Ivoire (Wave), Africa's fastest-growing mobile money platform, today unveiled a newly renovated basketball court at 4 Paniers (Four Baskets) in the Yopougon district of Abidjan.  The renovated court is part of the BAL and Wave's collaboration to bring communities in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal closer to the game and supports NBA Africa's commitment to build or renovate 1,000 basketball courts on the continent over the next decade.  

The court was unveiled by Wave Côte d'Ivoire General Manager Katier Bamba and BAL Head of League Operations Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje at a ceremony at Yopougon 4 Paniers, which was followed by a basketball clinic for 50 boys and girls ages 16 and under from local schools and a U-23 3-on-3 tournament for male and female players.

“The renovation of this court reflects our commitment to working with partners like Wave to empower the youth of Africa,” said Boumtje-Boumtje.  “Over the past year, our joint efforts with Wave, including hosting tournaments and creating safe spaces for young boys and girls to learn and play the game, will leave a lasting and meaningful impact in communities across Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.”

“Taking part in the project of renovation of this basketball court alongside the BAL reflects Wave's mission to support and invest in the communities we serve,” said Bamba.  Basketball is a powerful force for connecting communities, and we are proud to contribute to the creation of modern, accessible spaces where young people can learn, play, and thrive.  This project is not just about renovating a court, but also about building confidence and inspiring the next generation for an even stronger Côte d'Ivoire tomorrow.”

Since their collaboration launched in March 2025, the BAL and Wave held “Tournoi des Quartiers” basketball tournaments in Abidjan and Dakar, Senegal featuring a 1,000,000 CAF prize for each winning team and provided an all-expenses paid trip for Reine Esther Yao from the U-18 Côte d'Ivoire Women's National Team to attend the 2025 BAL Finals in Pretoria, South Africa, in June.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contacts:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
BAL
+221 78 637 70 62
manamba@thebal.com

Armel Assohou
Wave Côte d'Ivoire 
+225 0595 7966 87
armel.assohou@wave.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@ theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3K1ENWH), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3K2In2R), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/49NgtCe), X (https://apo-opa.co/49NyK2s), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rpAhC0) and register their interest in receiving more information at https://BAL.NBA.com.

About Wave:
Wave Mobile Money is Africa's fastest-growing mobile money product.  Wave is using technology to build a radically inclusive and extremely affordable financial network.  Our ambition is to make Africa the first cashless continent in the world.  Wave is operating in nine countries (Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Uganda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Niger).  You can learn more at https://www.Wave.com.

• 10 Finalists From Five African Countries Will Pitch Their Products to International Industry Leaders on Dec. 5 in Kigali
• Carnegie Mellon University Africa Joins as Official Partner of the Program

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from five African countries that have been selected as finalists as part of the second edition of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator (https://apo-opa.co/48kJsem), which the league launched last year to support the continent's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.  The 10 finalists will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, Dec. 5.

NBA Africa also announced that CMU-Africa has joined as an Official Partner of the program, which is open to early-stage African startup companies that develop solutions in the sport and creative industries.  CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master's degrees with a full-time faculty, staff and operations in Africa. 

ServiceNow – an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organizations deliver faster and smarter experiences at scale – also serves as an Official Partner of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, while ALX Ventures – a leading technology incubator that provides the continent's tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups – is once again operating the program.

The 10 startups, which were selected from more than 700 applications, will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders who will choose five winners to receive financial support and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's 12-month Business Incubation Program as part of its Innovation Hub, which helps African tech startups transform proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services.

Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the five prize-winning spots:

• Athlon Technology (Egypt) (https://AthlonTechnology.com/) aims to leverage accessible mobile technology and AI to provide video analysis for amateur and budget-constrained sports teams while addressing a market gap with a user-friendly, hardware-light solution.  
• Atsur (Nigeria) (https://apo-opa.co/4pxsTCH) leverages blockchain technology to promote investment in African art and support artists and art communities.
• CoLab (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/3XiPvek) is a platform that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs and industry professionals, providing a space to connect, manage projects and bring ideas to life.
• Contestify (Nigeria) (www.Contestify.io) is an all-in-one platform that streamlines contest management, offering real-time judging, transparent scoring and instant payouts. 
• Fitclan (Egypt) (https://Fitclan.co/) is a digital fitness hub that leverages a flexible subscription model for individuals and corporate clients. 
• Novate (Morocco) (www.Novate.ltd/en) offers a unique, immersive virtual reality (VR) football viewing experience with features such as seat selection, camera switching, social voice chat and live stats. 
• ProPath Sports (Kenya) (www.ProPathSports.com) revolutionizes athlete discovery in Kenya with data-driven talent identification; its iSTEAM program covers all aspects of talent development.
• Reborn (Morocco) (https://RebornSportsTech.com/) offers comprehensive performance indicators that give athletes deep insights into their physical condition and on-field performance, essential for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and optimizing overall performance. 
• Safia Health (Kenya) (https://SafiaHealth.com/) offers personalized training regiments that integrate fitness, recovery and mental wellbeing tracking into a unified platform, offering value to athletes and coaches. 
• SongDis (Nigeria) (www.SongDis.com) provides comprehensive digital distribution and services tailored for African independent artists and labels. 

“The quality of this year's applications reflects the incredible talent and creativity among Africa's young entrepreneurs as well as the important role that the sport and creative industries are playing in the continent's development,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “These startups represent the bold spirit of innovation rising across the continent – where creativity meets purpose, and ideas have the power to scale beyond borders.”

Last year, four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship as part of the inaugural edition of the program.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications  
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

Fans can follow:
NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube
@ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram
@ NBA_Africa on X
@ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.

The brand collaboration between Africell, Africa's only U.S.-owned mobile network operator, and NBA Africa (https://Africa.NBA.com/) in Angola has taken a leap forward with the widening of its scope to include all four of Africell's African operating markets with the addition of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), The Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Launched in 2022, the collaboration between Africell and NBA Africa in Angola has already seen thousands of young Angolans given opportunities to learn and play the game. Basketball has a rich history and broad popular appeal in the country of over 30 million people, and Africell and NBA Africa have nurtured a new generation's passion for the sport through a wide-ranging programme, including Jr. NBA tournaments, clinics and a court refurbishment.

Building upon the momentum established through the collaborative efforts in Angola to date, Africell and NBA Africa will roll out the initiative to the DRC, The Gambia and Sierra Leone. While distinct in many ways, each of these countries has a young and highly active population craving opportunities to participate in high-quality organised sports.  The expanded collaboration will introduce a Jr. NBA league in Angola, which will tip off next month, and will be followed by clinics and 3-on-3 tournaments in Angola, the DRC, The Gambia and Sierra Leone in 2026. 

Sports and healthcare are key impact areas of the Africell Impact Foundation, and the collaboration between Africell and NBA Africa across Africell's four operating markets aims to deliver meaningful social impact while also supporting Africell's commercial strategy by growing its customer base and engaging new audiences.

“It is difficult to overstate the magnetic pull that the NBA brand enjoys in Africa,” says Ziad Dalloul, CEO, president and founder of Africell Group. “Not only does the NBA name have associations with legendary teams and star athletes, but it also stands in the minds of many for the values of aspiration, hard work and excellence. Africell is thrilled to be expanding its collaboration with NBA Africa to DRC, The Gambia and Sierra Leone for the first time, and we look forward to sharing the stardust with our many young customers.”

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, says: “Our collaboration with Africell in Angola has shown us firsthand how basketball can inspire, empower and transform the lives of youth. Building on that success, we are excited to expand into the DRC, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone – countries where Africell is already deeply rooted, where there is strong affinity for basketball, and where together we can make a meaningful and lasting social impact.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

About Africell:
Africell (https://Africell.com/) provides fast, reliable, low-cost mobile network coverage and related technology services to almost twenty million subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa.  We currently operate in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.  Africell is US-owned, headquartered in London, and directly and indirectly employs more than ten thousand people.

Through the Africell Impact Foundation, Africell invests in and supports initiatives that provide benefits to our operating markets and the wider region in the areas of sports, health and wellbeing; education and entrepreneurship; and arts, culture, and heritage. Our ambition is to narrow Africa's opportunity gap by linking people to the digital and physical resources they need to engage fully in community life at a local, national and international level.

For more information, visit www.Africell.com or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/47iivri).

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025. Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the top 60 high-school-age boys and girls from 21 countries across Africa who will participate in the 21^st Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp, which will be held at Petit Stade and BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, from Saturday, August 23 – Tuesday, August 26, marking the first time that the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in East Africa after previous editions in Angola, Egypt, Senegal and South Africa.

The campers, who include two NBA Academy Africa prospects, will be coached by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, 1996-97 NBA All-Rookie Second Team member Kerry Kittles, 2005-06 NBA All-Rookie Second Team member Marvin Williams, Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee, Indiana Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori.

Utah Jazz Vice President of Global Scouting Luca Desta (Ethiopia), Toronto Raptors Director of Global Scouting & International Affairs Patrick Engelbrecht (South Africa), President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches Patrick Hunt (Australia) and Philadelphia 76ers Vice President of Player Personnel Prosper Karangwa (Rwanda) will serve as BWB Africa camp directors.  Raptors Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Jonathan Lee and LA Clippers Director of Medical Services and Head Athletic Trainer Jasen Powell will serve as the camp's sports performance coaches.

The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  A ceremony on the final day of the camp will award the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the B.J. Johnson Most Improved Player Award, the Three-Point Champion and the Defensive MVP to the male and female players who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders. 

The players and coaches will also take part in social responsibility programming, including a wheelchair basketball clinic in collaboration with the Rwandan Basketball Federation (FERWABA) and a clinic for 100 elderly women in collaboration with international sport-for-development organization Shooting Touch on Sunday, Aug. 24, and a coaching clinic and Her Time to Play leadership workshop for the female campers on Monday, Aug. 25. 

BWB Africa 2025 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

BWB has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fourteen former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA and WNBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003, including 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) and 2025 No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda; BWB Africa 2023).  Seventy-two former BWB Africa campers have been featured on Basketball Africa League (BAL) rosters over the league's first five seasons.

Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBAfrica on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders. com (https://BWB.NBA.com), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders) (https://apo-opa.co/3HVIR9J) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders) (https://apo-opa.co/4g1t1qS).

The following is a complete list of players participating in BWB Africa 2025

(roster subject to change):

GIRLS ROSTER
NAME	COUNTRY
Miraldina Buitchi	Angola
Synthia Mbeutom	Cameroon
Alexandra Djonkou	Cameroon
Malak Elhemaly	Egypt
Hana Mohamed Saad Ahmed Elbaz	Egypt
Yasmin Ahmed	Egypt
Tahina Oceane Rasata-Andriamasy	Madagascar
Lala Toure	Mali
Assitan Diarisso	Mali
Couda Keita	Mali
Maimouna Traore	Mali
Ines Bouboul	Morocco
Sabrin El Hilali	Morocco
Franca Iyamah	Nigeria
Enioluwa Oyedeji	Nigeria
Liliane Ingabire	Rwanda
Fatoumata Sall	Senegal
Ouly Seye	Senegal
Fatou Mbengue	Senegal
Liamisha Grace Aboo	South Africa
Magret Marieu Lual	South Sudan
Nyamal Nurah Gatluak Pathot	South Sudan
Namnyaki Isaya Mollel	Tanzania
Pendo Lashipai Laizer	Tanzania
Malak Chehidi	Tunisia
Shiphrah Kiranda	Uganda
Melissa Margareth Taliba	Uganda
Olivia Atima Amani	Uganda
Shella Mbulo	Zambia
Bupe Mubanga	Zambia

BOYS ROSTER
NAME	COUNTRY
Akram Saadaoui	Algeria
Daniel Nsalambi Agostinho Miller	Angola
Motheo Masule	Botswana
Wendkouni Marc Ilboudo	Burkina Faso
Yvesrostand Makembe	Cameroon
*Joachim Basson	Cameroon
Pascal Baruti Bauma	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mwana Ntemba Michael Djuma	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rami Magdy Abdelsayed Malek	Egypt
Belal Sohaib	Egypt
Ben Ayugi	Kenya
Wael Aguenaou	Morocco
Noah Mohamed El Baze	Morocco
Almoustapha Hama Ide	Niger
Ayomide Ibrahim	Nigeria
Moses Egbujor	Nigeria
Chibueze John Okechukwu	Nigeria
Mwesigwa Willilams Sean	Rwanda
Plamedie Bizimana Kayira	Rwanda
Gabriel Ndoba Mwimba	Rwanda
Pape Moussa Diallo	Senegal
Modou Khabane Gueye	Senegal
Mohamed Badiane	Senegal
Mohamed Mbacke Niane	Senegal
Siyabonga Mashaba	South Africa
Enzokuhle Mweli	South Africa
Ajak Aguer Akech	South Sudan
Thon Marial Bior Alier	South Sudan
*Matong Muorwel	South Sudan
Feisal Shukuru Mlanzi	Tanzania

   *NBA Academy Africa prospect

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
+27 65 548 1031
cbambani@nba.com

The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.Africa.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced that the 21^st Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp will be held at Petit Stade in Kigali, Rwanda, from Saturday, August 23 – Tuesday, August 26, marking the first time that the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in East Africa after previous editions in Angola, Egypt, Senegal and South Africa.

BWB Africa 2025 will bring together 60 of the top male and female players ages 18 and under from across Africa to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and compete alongside their peers from across the continent.  The campers and coaches, who will be announced prior to the camp, will also take part in life-skills, leadership development and social responsibility programming.

“Basketball Without Borders Africa continues to provide a platform for top young players from across the continent to continue their development and reach the highest levels of the game,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “We look forward to bringing this year's camp to East Africa at a time when there is incredible momentum around the game in the region.”

“Basketball Without Borders plays a pivotal role in the region's basketball development, providing top young talent with access to elite coaching and valuable growth opportunities,” said FIBA Head of Players Unit, Kimberley Gaucher.  “Hosting this edition in Rwanda is particularly significant, as the country has established a strong footprint in African basketball over recent years, having hosted a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying tournament last year, celebrated four Basketball Africa League Playoffs and Finals from 2021-2024, and also as host for both the boys' and girls' FIBA U-16 AfroBasket tournaments and a Regional Youth Camp this year, further underscoring its growing prominence on the continent.”

BWB Africa 2025 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

BWB has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fourteen former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA and WNBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003, including 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) and 2025 No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda; BWB Africa 2023).  Seventy-two former BWB Africa campers have been featured on Basketball Africa League rosters over the league's first five seasons.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani,
NBA Africa,
cbambani@nba.com,
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025. Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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The NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 (www.NBA.com) will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 10-20 and once again feature a strong presence of African players, coaches and referees, including:

• Six former NBA Academy Africa players
• 23 coaches from 15 African countries as part of the Africa Coaches Program
• Three referees from the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season

The participation of these players, coaches and referees is part of NBA Africa and the BAL's commitment to developing talent and expertise throughout the African basketball ecosystem and contributing to the continued growth of the game across the continent.

Below are storylines about the African players, coaches, and referees participating in this year's Summer League, which will air live in Africa on NBA League Pass, the league's premium live game subscriptions service available via the NBA App:

PLAYERS

• Six former NBA Academy Africa players have joined Summer League rosters:
  • Ibou Badji (Denver Nuggets; Senegal)
  • Jean-Jacques Boissy (Milwaukee Bucks; Senegal)
  • Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), who was selected 57^th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
  • Nelly Joseph Junior (Atlanta Hawks; Nigeria)
  • Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda), who was selected 10^th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted former NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Africa League (BAL) player ever.
  • Babacar Sané (Minnesota Timberwolves; Senegal)
• Three players who participated in the 2025 BAL season will compete in Summer League:
  • Boissy – 2025 BAL champion and MVP with Alahli Tripoli (Libya), Boissy averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game.
  • Aliou Diarra (Mali; Dallas Mavericks) – Two-time Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the Year (2023 and 2025) and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA G League International Draft, Diarra will join the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft – Cooper Flagg – on the Mavericks' Summer League roster.
  • Sané – 2025 All-BAL Second Team as a member of US Monastir (Tunisia).

COACHES:

• Twenty-three coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in Summer League as part of the Africa Coaches Program, which is part of NBA Africa and the BAL's ongoing commitment to developing coaching talent across the continent.  The 23 coaches (full list below) include:
  • Four who previously played in the BAL: two-time BAL champion with Zamalek (2021) and US Monastir (2022) Solo Diabate (Bucks; Côte d'Ivoire), 2024 BAL champion with Petro de Luanda Carlos Morais (New York Knicks; Angola), as well as Marawan Sarhan (Miami Heat; Egypt) and Mostafa Kejo (Los Angeles Lakers; Egypt), both of whom competed for Al Ahly (Egypt) during the 2024 BAL season.
  • Two female coaches: Fenan Atobrhan (Eritrea; Houston Rockets) and Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Indiana Pacers).  Atobrhan served as an assistant coach with APR during the 2025 BAL season when the team finished third, its best-ever finish in the BAL.  Bibeyi served as head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) during the 2023 Road to the BAL qualifying tournament, was part of the coaching staff at the 2025 BAL Combine, and has served as a mentor as part of BAL4HER, the league's platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

REFEREES

• Three referees who have officiated in the BAL will serve as Summer League officials: Claudio Eiuba (Angola), Vitalis Gode (Kenya) and Erick Otieno (Kenya).

Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 as part of the Africa Coaches Program:

Name	Country	NBA Team
Lamine Krideche	Algeria	Cleveland Cavaliers
Carlos Morais	Angola	New York Knicks
Francois Enyegue	Cameroon	Charlotte Hornets
Antonio Moreira	Cape Verde	Atlanta Hawks
Solo Diabate	Côte D'Ivoire	Milwaukee Bucks
Pierrot Ilunga	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Detroit Pistons
Mostafa Kejo	Egypt	Los Angeles Lakers
Marawan Sarhan	Egypt	Miami Heat
Wael Badr	Egypt	Portland Blazers
Haytham Kamel	Egypt	Utah Jazz
Fenan Atobrhan	Eritrea	Houston Rockets
Ruth Bibeyi	Gabon	Indiana Pacers
Reda Rhalimi	Morocco	Denver Nuggets
Akil Driss	Morocco	Toronto Raptors
Mohammed Abdulrahman	Nigeria	Washington Wizards
Prosper Naci	Rwanda	Philadelphia 76ers
Abdallah Mbaye	Senegal	Chicago Bulls
Matar Mbodji	Senegal	Dallas Mavericks
Samba Fall	Senegal	San Antonio Spurs
Moratiemang Jr. Mmoloke	South Africa	Boston Celtics
Igor Lunnemann	South Africa	New Orleans Pelicans
Lindokuhle Sibankulu	South Africa	Sacramento Kings
Amine Rzig	Tunisia	LA Clippers

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

The 2025 BAL Finals (https://BAL.NBA.com) are officially set. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) will face Petro de Luanda (Angola) on Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m. CAT at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the culmination of the league's milestone fifth season. 

In last night's first semifinal, Al Ahli Tripoli defeated APR (Rwanda) 84–71. Fabian White Jr. led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Caleb Agada added 17 points. Al Ahli's sharp shooting from beyond the arc (41.4%) proved decisive, as APR struggled from three, going just 4-for-18. Nuni Omot led APR with 22 points, while Obadiah Noel, Chasson Randle, and Aliou Diarra each contributed 13 points. 

In the second semifinal, the defending champion Petro de Luanda cruised to a 96–74 win over Al Ittihad (Egypt) as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back BAL titles. Kendrick Ray led all scorers with 21 points, while Aboubacar Gakou added 17. Petro shot 40.7% from three and made 85% of their free throws. For Al Ittihad, Lual Acuil scored a team-high 16 points, but the team struggled from deep, hitting 5 of 26 attempts. 

Al Ittihad will face APR in the third-place game on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. CAT. 

PRESS CONFERENCE 

• Al Ahli Tripoli vs APR (https://apo-opa.co/4jN4QMX)
• Al Ittihad vs Petro de Luanda (https://apo-opa.co/45U2mcd)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

• Energade, Hyundai and Uber Join BAL's Existing Partner Roster that Features Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand, Wilson, Afreximbank, Castle Lite, Hennessy, RwandAir and ServiceNow.
• Semifinals Tomorrow Will Feature Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) vs. APR (Rwanda) at 4:00 p.m. CAT and Al Ittihad (Egypt) vs. Petro de Luanda (Angola) at 7:00 p.m. CAT.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (BAL.NBA.com) today announced the league's roster of marketing and merchandising partners for the 2025 BAL Playoffs that are underway now at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, and will culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14 at 4:00 p.m. CAT.  

The new partners – Energade, Hyundai and Uber – are engaging fans in South Africa throughout the Playoffs and Finals and join the BAL's existing partner roster that features Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand and Wilson, as well as marketing partners Afreximbank, Castle Lite, Hennessy, RwandAir and ServiceNow. 

The 2025 BAL Playoffs, which are being held in South Africa for the first time, have featured the top eight teams (https://apo-opa.co/4e0OKOy) from the three conference group phases that were held in Rabat, Morocco; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda in April and May.  The semifinals (https://apo-opa.co/3FwN7ePschedule) will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11 when Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) takes on APR (Rwanda) at 4:00 p.m. CAT and Al Ittihad (Egypt) plays  Petro de Luanda (Angola) at 7:00 p.m. CAT.  Tickets are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticketmaster.co.za. 

Below are highlights of the partner activations throughout the BAL Playoffs and Finals: 

Energade 

• As the Official Sports Drink Partner of the BAL Finals, Energade is hosting fan engagement activities in the BAL Fan Zone outside of the SunBet Arena where fans can stay active and hydrated.  

Hyundai 

• As an Associate Partner of the BAL Playoffs and Finals, Hyundai is featured prominently with vehicle displays in the BAL Fan Zone and at the arena entrance.   Fans engaging with the brand have the opportunity to win Hyundai and BAL merchandise and prizes. 

Uber 

• Through the BAL's collaboration with Uber Eats, fans can conveniently order food from in-arena vendors right from their seats, with pickup available at a dedicated area on the concourse.   

• Uber renamed the arena drop-off location in the Uber Rides App to “SunBet Arena – Home of the BAL Finals.”  The App also features BAL promotions offering fans discounted tickets to the Playoffs and Finals. 

Afreximbank 

• As an Official Partner of the BAL, Afreximbank is supporting the off-court development of BAL players through BAL Advance, providing targeted training in areas such as nutrition, mental health, and financial literacy. 

• Afreximbank is helping promote African creative talent by supporting emerging designers and showcasing their work through industry networking events organized by the league and at merchandise stands in the BAL Fan Zone. 

Castle Lite 

• Castle Lite, the Official Beer Partner of the BAL, is engaging fans through a range of on-court and in-arena experiences.  

Hennessy 

• Hennessy, the Official Spirit of the BAL, is engaging fans with a premium courtside experience at The Hennessy Lounge.  The Hennessy Lounge is also hosting the brand's guests, including celebrities and influencers.   

NIKE 

• Three-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson is gifting gift pairs of her newly launched NIKE A'One sneakers to the girls participating in the BAL4Her U-23 camp that is being held in conjunction with the Playoffs and Finals, marking the first time her shoes are being distributed in Africa.  The camp is taking place from June 9-14, with former WNBA player Edniesha Curry returning as camp director for the second consecutive year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com/) Playoffs are officially underway at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, tipping off in thrilling fashion as Kriol Star (Cape Verde) edged FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco) in a 91–88 nail-biter. Joel Ntambwe led Kriol Star with a team-high 22 points, while Ivan Almeida posted a triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Jalan McCloud also added 21 points. For FUS Rabat, Yacine Baeri delivered a team-high 22 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from three-point range.

The second game of the night featured a clash of titans between two undefeated teams, Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) and Al Ittihad (Egypt), with Al Ittihad emerging victorious in an 85-74 win. Majok Deng led the charge with 19 points, while Lual Acuil posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. For Al Ahli Tripoli, Fabian White Jr. delivered a game-high 24 points along with 10 rebounds. Jean Jacques Boissy and Naseim Badrush also contributed with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Tonight's seeding games set up the win-or-go-home quarterfinal matchups on Sunday – Al Ahli Tripoli will take on Kriol Star at 4 p.m. and Al Ittihad will face FUS Rabat at 7 p.m. CAT.

Tomorrow's seeding games will feature the defending champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) taking on APR (Rwanda) at 4 p.m. and 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia) facing last year's semifinalist Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) at 7 p.m. CAT.

The 2025 Basketball Africa League season is reaching fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid TV broadcast partnerships, including on Canal+, ESPN, FIBA's digital platform Courtside 1891 and livestreaming on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.co/45w59bJ), NBA.com (https://apo-opa.co/43RoK3C), BAL.NBA.com (https://apo-opa.co/3SHlN0f) and the BAL's YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43OCRX5) channel.

PRESS CONFERENCES

Opening Press Conference (https://apo-opa.co/3ZVDAEO)

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave

Postgame

Kriol Star vs FUS Rabat (coaches and players) (https://apo-opa.co/43RiHfp)

Al Ahli vs Al Ittihad (coaches and players) (https://apo-opa.co/3TaeTRk)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).