The Basketball Africa League (BAL) will tip off its fifth season on 5 April in Rabat and hold its playoffs in South Africa in June. The competition will feature 12 teams split into three conferences.
When the tournament concludes on 14 June in Pretoria, it will be the first time the final will be held in a city other than Kigali.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and global basketball’s governing body, The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), co-organised the league.
The BAL has produced top-quality players such as Khaman Maluach and there will be plenty of talent on display again. Maluach is currently playing for online sports betting favourites Duke (2.00) and is chasing a NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, having made it to the final four.
Kalahari Conference
The Kalahari Conference will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from 5-13 April. It includes Al Ittihad (Egypt), FUS Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and Stade Malien (Mali). This group is set to be one of the most competitive.
Al Ittihad and FUS Rabat are among the favourites to win the Basketball Africa League. Al Ittihad has a strong squad with experienced players. FUS Rabat will have a home advantage, which could be crucial.
Rivers Hoopers are Nigeria’s representatives and bring plenty of talent. Stade Malien, who finished third in the 2023 BAL with a surprise run, have experience in knockout tournaments. Every match in this conference will be intense.
Sahara Conference
The Sahara Conference will run from 26 April to 4 May in Dakar, Senegal. The teams include ASCVD (Senegal), Kriol Star (Cape Verde), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and US Monastir (Tunisia). This group features the defending champions.
Petro de Luanda won the 2024 BAL title. They are one of the strongest teams in African basketball. Their squad depth and experience make them contenders again.
ASCVD will play in front of their home fans in Dakar. Kriol Star brings exciting talent from Cape Verde. US Monastir, the 2022 BAL champions, will aim to return to the top.
Nile Conference
The Nile Conference will be played from 17-25 May in Kigali, Rwanda. The teams are APR (Rwanda), MBB (South Africa), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya). This conference will be highly competitive.
APR will have home support in Kigali. The Rwandan side has a history of strong performances in domestic basketball. MBB represents South Africa and will aim to make an impact.
Al Ahli Tripoli and Nairobi City Thunder bring different styles of play. Libyan basketball has been on a high after Al Ahly Benghazi made it to last year’s final. Meanwhile, the Kenyan side is hungry for success. The battle for playoff spots will be fierce.
Playoffs in Pretoria
The Basketball Africa League playoffs and finals will be held from 6-14 June in Pretoria, South Africa. This marks the first time the playoffs will be in South Africa. Kigali hosted the finals in the first four seasons.
Pretoria’s venue will attract fans from across the continent. The best teams from the three conferences will compete for the title. The excitement will build towards the showdown.
Petro de Luanda will aim to defend their title. Al Ittihad and FUS Rabat could challenge them. Surprises are always possible in this competition.
BAL’s Growing Impact
The BAL has grown since its launch in 2021. It has given African basketball teams a bigger platform. More players are gaining international recognition. Sponsorship deals and media coverage have increased. Fans can follow games live. The competition is becoming more popular each year.
With games in Morocco, Senegal, Rwanda, and South Africa, the BAL is reaching more fans. The 2025 season promises to be another thrilling edition. The champions will have to work hard to lift the trophy.
