Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/03 17:30 | - | Nairobi City Thunder vs Kriol Star |
|
| 12/03 15:00 | - | City Oilers vs Urunani BBC | 75-77 |
| 12/02 17:30 | - | Nairobi City Thunder vs City Oilers | 72-62 |
| 12/02 15:00 | - | Urunani BBC vs Kriol Star | 82-90 |
| 12/01 17:00 | - | Bravehearts vs Nairobi City Thunder | 68-91 |
| 12/01 14:30 | - | MBB vs Kriol Star |
|
| 12/01 12:00 | - | City Oilers vs Urunani BBC |
|
| 12/01 09:30 | - | Matero Magic vs Fox | 81-83 |
| 11/29 17:00 | - | Nairobi City Thunder vs Kriol Star | 104-71 |
| 11/29 14:30 | - | Bravehearts vs MBB |
|
| 11/29 12:00 | - | Matero Magic vs City Oilers |
|
| 11/29 09:30 | - | Fox vs Urunani BBC | 61-70 |
Teams
AS Sale
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 June, and in the current format of the league consists of twelve teams. Each of the teams qualify through their performance in their domestic competition. Seven teams qualify directly, while five others have to play in the Road to BAL. The group stage is divided into three conferences, which are followed by 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, four different 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 Basketball Africa League Qualification Tournament is an exhilarating showcase of talent, determination, and passion for the game of basketball across the African continent. This prestigious event serves as the gateway for teams aspiring to compete in the highly acclaimed Basketball Africa League (BAL), which features the best clubs from various African nations.
**Event Overview:**
The tournament brings together top-performing teams from national leagues across Africa, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their skills and vie for a coveted spot in the BAL. With a focus on fostering competitive spirit and promoting basketball development, the qualification tournament is a celebration of the sport's growing popularity in Africa.
**Format:**
The tournament typically features a series of intense matches, where teams compete in a knockout format or round-robin style, depending on the number of participating teams. Each game is a battle of strategy, athleticism, and teamwork, as players aim to secure their place in the prestigious BAL.
**Highlights:**
- **Emerging Talent:** The tournament is a prime opportunity for young and emerging players to showcase their abilities on a larger stage, potentially attracting scouts and professional opportunities.
- **Cultural Exchange:** Teams from diverse backgrounds come together, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange through the love of basketball.
- **Community Engagement:** Local communities rally behind their teams, creating an electric atmosphere filled with passionate fans, vibrant celebrations, and a shared love for the sport.
**Conclusion:**
The Basketball Africa League Qualification Tournament is more than just a series of games; it is a celebration of African basketball, uniting players, fans, and communities in a shared pursuit of excellence. As teams battle for a chance to compete at the highest level, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and inspire the next generation of basketball stars across the continent. Join us in witnessing the rise of African basketball and the thrilling journey to the Basketball Africa League!