Teams
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Atletico Petroleos de Luanda
US Monastir
Cape Town Tigers
AS Douanes
City Oilers
Al Ahly Egypt
SLAC
FAP Yaounde
Rivers Hoopers
Al Zamalek
Patriots BC
Ferroviario Beira
Rwanda Energy Group
AS Sale
Cobra SC
Al Ahly Benghazi
Ferroviario Maputo
Stade
GNBC
Bangui SC
Abidjan BC
BC Espoir Fukash
Armee Patriotique Rwandaise
FUS Rabat
J.K.T Basketball Club
Dakar Universite Club
Kwara Falcons
Police
GS Petroliers
Unza Pacers
Dynamo Burundi
New Star (Bdi)
Manga BB
Nigelec
Hawassa Basketball Club
Elan Coton BBC
Army Basket Club
Al Nasr- Libya
ASB Mazembe
Ulinzi Warriors
Kurasini Heats
KPa
Nueva Era
Urunani BBC
Bravehearts
Matero Magic
Wikipedia - Basketball Africa League
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is the premier men's basketball league in Africa. Founded in 2019, the league was established and is co-organized by NBA Africa and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Each season typically runs from March to May, and in the current format the league consists of twelve teams. Each of the teams qualify through their performance in their domestic competition, a meritocratic system similar to the format of the UEFA Champions League. Six teams qualify directly, while six others have to play in the Road to BAL. The season exists out of three conferences and uses playoffs to determine the champions. The BAL champions of each season automatically qualify for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
The first season was held in 2021 and thus far, three champions have won the competition.
History
On 16 February 2019 the National Basketball Association and FIBA announced plans to establish a continental professional basketball league. During a press conference at the 2019 NBA All-Star weekend, NBA commissioner Adam Silver elaborated on plans to establish the league. He stated that the league will feature 12 teams after qualification tournaments in late 2019. The countries that could possibly host a team include; Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. Silver also hinted at the involvement of former U.S. president Barack Obama in an unspecified role. In May 2019, Amadou Gallo Fall was assigned by the NBA as the first president of the BAL. In September 2019, BAL announced the venues and cities for the inaugural season, which included a Final Four played in Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
On 15 October 2019, the qualifying tournaments for the inaugural season began, with teams from 32 African countries participating. The start of the BAL was eventually postponed twice due to the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic. The first BAL game was played on 16 May 2021, in the Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, which hosted the entire tournament. The season was held in a bio-secure bubble with only limited attendance allowed. On 30 May, Zamalek from Egypt won the first-ever BAL championship after beating US Monastir in the inaugural final.
The following season, the league expanded it format with five-team conferences (the Sahara and Nile Conference), which were held in Dakar and Cairo. The playoffs were held in Kigali.
The fourth league season, in 2024, saw an expansion to three conference with the Kalahari Conference, as well as Petro de Luanda becoming the first team from Sub-Saharan Africa to win the championship. After the season, Ulrich Chomche from Cameroon became the first former BAL player to be drafted in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as he was picked in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
The BAL is a collaboration between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), aiming to elevate the sport's profile in Africa and provide opportunities for African players to showcase their skills on a global stage. With the inaugural season held in 2021, the tournament has quickly gained recognition as a premier basketball event, captivating fans and attracting attention from basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
The tournament features a thrilling format, with teams competing in a series of intense games to secure their place in the playoffs. The participating teams represent the best of African basketball, with players who have honed their skills both domestically and internationally. The BAL not only showcases the talent of African players but also provides a platform for scouts and talent evaluators to discover new stars and potential NBA prospects.
Beyond the on-court action, the BAL is a celebration of African culture, unity, and the power of sports to bring people together. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for fans to experience the vibrant atmosphere, passionate crowds, and rich traditions that make African basketball so special. From the electrifying performances of halftime entertainers to the colorful jerseys representing different African nations, the BAL is a true celebration of African heritage and basketball excellence.
The Basketball Africa League is not only a tournament but also a catalyst for the growth and development of basketball in Africa. Through various community outreach programs, coaching clinics, and infrastructure investments, the BAL aims to inspire the next generation of African basketball players and foster a sustainable basketball ecosystem across the continent.
In summary, the Basketball Africa League is a thrilling and transformative basketball tournament that showcases the immense talent, passion, and cultural richness of African basketball. With its exciting format, top-tier competition, and commitment to community development, the BAL is set to become a cornerstone of African sports and a platform for African players to shine on the global stage.