OKLAHOMA CITY – While it is a work in progress, the Basketball Africa League plans to truly evolve into a league in the coming years.
The BAL has been more of a tournament than an actual league since it began action in 2020. Some teams qualify through the “The Road to the BAL” tournaments while other teams qualified automatically as national champions from select, predetermined countries.
NBA deputy commissioner mark Tatum, however, confirmed to Andscape recently that the BAL will evolve into a 12-team league with permanent franchises in the coming years, with no set date for when this will happen. Each permanent franchise would need a state-of-the-art arena to participate (not teams that qualify through open spots), which means a modern arena that elevates the fan experience. There will likely be 10 permanent franchises with two annual qualifying at-large teams, sources said. Tatum also added that the NBA has received strong interest from potential suitors wanting to own a team.
The BAL’s milestone fifth season set records in attendance, viewership and merchandise sales. More than 140,000 fans attended BAL games in Morocco, Senegal, Rwanda and South Africa.The BAL YouTube channel generated a record 3.5 million live views (+84% YoY). Since 2021, the BAL has contributed more than $250 million to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), a number that is expected to grow to $5.4 billion by 2034.
“We are absolutely exploring the possibility of bringing on franchises in the BAL, which would be a natural evolution of where we are with the BAL today,” Tatum told Andscape on Oct. 12,prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s home game against the Houston Rockets. “We just completed our fifth season in the BAL with record-breaking viewership, record-breaking merchandise sales, and social media engagement.
“And this is off of a league that we’re continuing to expand and grow. And for us to continue to grow and be on that trajectory, it makes sense to have individuals who have skin in the game and who have vested interest in investing and growing basketball on the continent.
“And what that will require is investments in not only buying a franchise, but investment in infrastructure, investments in things like academies and grassroots basketball advancement. And so, for me and for us, it’s the natural next stage of the evolution of the growth of basketball on the continent.”
It appears the new 12-team BAL also won’t debut all at once,rather the new 10 permanent teams can be added to the league piece by piece begining in the 2027 season,sources said. That also ensures that the 2026 BAL season will have 12 independent teams per usual with to-be-determined sites. A BAL franchise is expected to start at about $50 million and potentially more depending on the market, sources told Andscape.
The NBA has operated in Africa for more than 30 years, with offices in Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told Andscape recently that the BAL will evolve into a 12-team league in the coming years.
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty images
Tatum said the NBA has hired investment banking advisors to evaluate business plans to test potential markets.
BAL Sets New Records in Milestone Fifth Season
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) concluded its fifth season with record-breaking attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales, solidifying its position as a premier basketball league on the continent. The league,a partnership between the NBA and the International basketball Federation (FIBA),continues to grow in popularity and influence.
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This season saw a important increase in fan engagement, with games played in multiple African cities, including Dakar, Senegal; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; and Kigali, Rwanda. The league reported a 30% increase in average attendance compared to the previous season,demonstrating a growing appetite for high-level basketball across Africa.
Viewership numbers also surged, with games broadcast in over 150 countries and territories. the BAL partnered with several major broadcasters and streaming platforms to expand its reach, making the games accessible to a wider audience. Digital viewership experienced a particularly substantial jump, fueled by increased social media engagement and online streaming options.
Merchandise sales reflected the growing brand recognition of the BAL. Official BAL apparel and accessories were in high demand,with sales increasing by 40% this season.The league’s commitment to showcasing African culture and design through its merchandise contributed to its appeal.
“We are incredibly proud of the success of our fifth season,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “These record numbers demonstrate the passion for basketball in Africa and the BAL’s growing impact on the continent. We remain committed to developing the sport and providing opportunities for African players and coaches.”
The BAL continues to attract top talent from across Africa and the diaspora, fostering a competitive environment and showcasing the potential of African basketball on a global stage. Looking ahead, the league plans to expand its footprint further, with potential additions of new teams and host cities.
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