Basketball Africa League Announces Historic Season 5: Expanding Horizons And Redefining African Basketball

Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) was nothing short of exhilarating, filled with packed arenas, buzzer-beaters, thrilling overtime games, unexpected upsets, and inspiring underdog victories. It showcased the very best of African basketball through high drama and electrifying performances. Beyond the unforgettable moments on the court, Season 4 also set the stage for what’s to come in Season 5, which promises to be one for the history books. The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season will kick off on April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, marking the first time the BAL will be held in Morocco. The excitement continues with the BAL Finals taking place in Pretoria, South Africa, at the SunBet Arena on June 14, 2025—another milestone for the league. This season will feature a total of 48 games played across four cities: Rabat, Dakar, Kigali, and Pretoria. It also marks the first time the playoffs and finals will be hosted outside of Rwanda, highlighting the league's growth. Amadou Gallo Fall, the BAL President, commented on the decision to host the Finals in Pretoria: "Last year, we had a very positive experience hosting our Kalahari Conference at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The energy from the crowds was incredible, and basketball is a popular sport in South Africa. We understand the landscape and how passionate young people are about the game. It's clear that this was a good decision." The 2025 season will include 12 teams from 12 African countries competing across three conferences: The national league champions from seven countries—Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia—have already secured automatic qualification. The remaining five teams will earn their spots through the Road to the BAL qualifying tournaments, organized by FIBA Africa, which will take place from October to December 2024. With the BAL expanding its geographic reach and competitive structure, the league is establishing itself as a premier showcase for African basketball talent. This evolution is just one aspect of a much larger vision for the league's future. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has a vision that extends well beyond the 2025 season. Discussions are in progress about expanding the season to include more games and a longer schedule. This expansion will provide teams with additional opportunities to compete, connect with fans, and develop their talent. The league is also focused on empowering teams to utilize commercialization models, allowing them to generate revenue and grow their fan bases. Amadou Gallo Fall, the President of the League, emphasized this long-term commitment: “I’m really glad and committed to working with the public and private sectors to drive improvements and foster the growth of infrastructure, both physical and local expertise across the continent. This is why we have dedicated significant time to creating real, tangible economic value in the countries where we plan to host games.” This emphasis on infrastructure and revenue models demonstrates the BAL's determination to ensure that its teams and players thrive both on and off the court. As the league continues to expand, it is only a matter of time before the BAL establishes itself as one of the leading basketball leagues in the world. The BAL continues to produce talent ready to shine on the international stage. Players like Khaman Maluach, Thierry Serge Darlan, Ulrich Chomche, and Divine Eke have demonstrated that African basketball is making significant waves worldwide. Khaman Maluach, after an impressive season with the City Oilers, dominated the group stages by setting a BAL record with seven blocks in a single game. His outstanding performance earned him a scholarship to Duke University, positioning him as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. Ulrich Chomche made history by being drafted 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft, becoming the first NBA Academy Africa prospect to enter the league. Chomche is currently playing for Raptors 905 in the NBA G-League, where he has shown promise with averages of 6.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 53.3% shooting per game. Additionally, players like Thierry Serge Darlan and Divine Eke have transitioned into the NBA G-League, further solidifying the BAL’s role as a gateway to global basketball. The BAL (Basketball Africa League) is experiencing growth that extends beyond just the players; the league is making significant investments in the development of coaches and teams. As part of the Africa Coaches Program, 25 coaches from 15 African countries participated in the NBA Summer League. Notably, Ogoh Odaudu, the 2024 BAL Coach of the Year, and three female coaches from the BAL4HER initiative were among them. Moreover, teams are receiving enhanced support to improve their commercial and competitive capabilities. By capitalizing on revenue-generating opportunities and implementing effective fan engagement strategies, BAL teams are positioning themselves to expand their impact both locally and internationally. As the BAL looks to the future, Season 5 is set to raise the bar even higher. The league's expansion into new territories, commitment to player development, and dedication to economic and social impact across Africa make this season more than just a competition—it’s a movement. Fans can join this transformative journey by registering for tickets at BAL.NBA.com or by following the league’s updates to witness history in the making. With plans to extend the season, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen team commercialization models, the BAL is poised to redefine basketball in Africa. Amadou Gallo Fall captured the league’s aspirations perfectly: "We strongly believe that the BAL can be so much more than just a basketball league. It’s a platform for change, and we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders." With these bold steps forward, Season 5 of the Baseball Africa League is primed to be a defining moment in its history and a thrilling chapter for the future of African basketball. This season is sure to be one for the books.