Africa has given the world some of basketball’s biggest stars. From the towering presence of Hakeem Olajuwon and the relentless hustle of Pascal Siakam, to the finger-wagging brilliance of the late Dikembe Mutombo and the rise of Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, African-born players have long left their mark on the game. Their jerseys hang in homes from Lagos to Los Angeles, but despite the global stardom of these legends, for decades, Africa lacked one crucial thing: its own world-class basketball league.
That changed in 2019 with the launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) that finally placed the continent centre court. No longer would African players need to look abroad to find opportunities; the BAL had brought the dream home.
And it couldn’t have come at a better time. Globally, basketball is having a cultural moment; it’s a language spoken in sneakers and mixtapes, tunnel walks and TikToks. Whether you’re watching buzzer-beaters in Brooklyn or checking out a courtside fit in Kigali, the game is undeniably cool. Its reach is massive, and so is the money: the NBA alone is worth more than $100 billion, and its top players earn more from endorsements than they do from their multimillion-dollar salaries. Brands aren’t just chasing dunks – they’re buying into the lifestyle.
This is exactly what makes the BAL so special – it understands that basketball, especially in Africa, isn’t just about the scoreboard. From 6 to 14 June, Pretoria’s SunBet Arena will host the BAL Playoffs and Finals, turning the city into the epicentre of African sport, music, fashion, and business. It’s a major milestone for a league that’s only been around since 2019, but one that’s already redefining what basketball can look and feel like on the continent.
“Having previously hosted the Kalahari Conference at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, it was an incredibly affirming experience,” says BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall. “The atmosphere was electric, the crowds were passionate, and it reminded us just how deeply rooted basketball is in South African culture. We’ve seen first-hand how engaged and enthusiastic the youth are about the sport. Choosing Pretoria for the BAL Finals feels like a natural and meaningful step forward.”
As a key ambassador for the BAL and a seasoned voice in global sports leadership, Nana Papa Yaw “Pops” Mensah-Bonsu understands the deeper intent behind the league’s vision. His focus lies in leveraging sport and live entertainment as strategic tools to build infrastructure and create lasting economic impact across the continent. “My passion has always been to level the economic playing field by using sport and entertainment as catalysts for growth in Africa,” explains the British basketball executive and former player. Pops believes that the work behind the scenes – rooted in rigorous research, long-term planning, and the courage to lean into complexity – is what truly drives sustainable change.
The decision to move the Finals from Rwanda to South Africa was more than logistics; it was a love letter to a country where the game has serious heart.
More Than Just a Game
With a sharp eye for strategy, the BAL has created an experience that doesn’t just invite basketball fans courtside, but also fashionistas, music lovers, and entrepreneurs. It’s for Africa, but it’s also from Africa. One of the key minds shaping the league’s broader tourism and economic strategy is Naledi Khabo, CEO of the Africa Tourism Association. She knows how to turn host cities into travel-worthy destinations, ensuring the economic ripple of the BAL lasts long after the final whistle.
But don’t only expect a series of matches. This is the BAL, after all, and a tournament feels more like a festival. At any given event, you’ll find Amapiano artists like Zee Nxumalo lighting up the halftime stage, and designers such as Matthew Rugamba of Rwanda’s House of Tayo blurring the lines between courtside and catwalk. Add in celebrity sightings, influencer collaborations, and business forums and it’s clear: BAL is a vibe.
The Finals in Pretoria will bring together elite teams from across the continent, including Angola’s defending champions Petro de Luanda, Egypt’s formidable Al Ittihad Alexandria, and local heroes Made by Basketball (MBB) – South Africa’s pride. From veteran players like George King to rising stars unearthed in local communities, the level of play is matched only by the cultural diversity each team brings.
Crucially, BAL isn’t just a men’s game. Through BAL4HER, the league has made a bold and much-needed commitment to gender equity, creating a space for women in coaching, media, officiating, and sports management. It’s a league built for the future, and one that’s rewriting the rules for what sport in Africa can be.
So whether you’re there for the game, the music, the fashion, or the movement, know this: BAL is more than a tournament. It’s a cultural shift. A celebration. A vision of Africa that’s confident, united, and ready to lead on its own terms.
