The Basketball Africa League (BAL) in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is developing a programme that will strengthen youth development and social impact programmes on the African continent.
The partnership has therefore announced a five year extension of their existing collaboration which will see Basketball League Africa continue to play their game at the BK Arena in Kigali, the Rwandan capital till 2028.
BAL is a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to develop a professional league featuring 12 teams from across Africa.
With headquarters in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions which FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.
The extension will see -the country’s marketing and tourism initiative “Visit Rwanda” continue as a Foundational and Host Partner of the BAL and will continue to be showcased on BAL team uniforms.
In addition, RwandAir, Rwanda’s national airline – will continue as the Official Airline Partner of the BAL and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff.]
BAL President, Amadou Gallo Fall said: “The Rwanda Development Board, as a Foundational Partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons.
“Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come.”
On his part, RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi said: “We are excited to extend our collaboration with the Basketball Africa League.
“We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together. In the first two years of the partnership Rwanda saw a net benefit of 9.1 million dollars to the Rwandan economy. “
“BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport, not just basketball in Africa.”
Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said “RwandAir is proud to be a partner of the Basketball Africa League and we are excited to see the Rwandan Development Board continue to bring world-class basketball to Rwanda.
“We know how sport can bring communities together as teams compete to win and celebrate the power of teamwork and know the extended partnership will further strengthen those bonds.
“We are also focused on our goal of delivering world-class customer service as we bring people together through our extensive route network, and we look forward to flying fans and players over the coming years.”
Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Senegal’s AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 Finals played at BK Arena and featured a variety of youth development and social impact programmes
The activities included Jr. NBA, Special Olympics and coaches clinics; an environmental day of service; innovation summits that brought together African leaders from business, entertainment, sports, social entrepreneurship and beyond to discuss the enormous growth opportunities on the continent.