The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced a new multi-year partnership with Qatar Foundation, marking the first time the league has appointed an Official Community Partner as it expands its social impact initiatives across Africa.
The collaboration will support a range of basketball development and community programs, including court renovations, youth engagement projects and initiatives focused on increasing opportunities for women in sport.
The agreement is being facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments and reflects growing international investment in African basketball and sports development.
Qatar Foundation To Support Basketball Development Across Africa
Under the partnership, Qatar Foundation will help fund the renovation and construction of basketball courts as part of NBA Africa’s wider commitment to build 1,000 courts across the continent.
The organisation will also support BAL4HER, the league’s platform dedicated to advancing gender equality and expanding career opportunities for women within the African sports industry.
Qatar Foundation has additionally been named the Presenting Partner of the BAL Ubuntu Trophy, an annual award recognising a player who has made a meaningful impact within local communities during the BAL season.
As part of the branding agreement, the Qatar Foundation logo will appear on the back of all BAL game uniforms.
Basketball Seen As A Tool For Social Development
Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to using sport as a driver of social progress and inclusion.
“We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change,” she said.
“It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies.”
She added that the organisation aims to make sport more accessible and inclusive while promoting leadership, teamwork and community engagement.
BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall said the collaboration would strengthen the league’s year-round social impact programs.
“Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round,” Fall said.
BAL4HER Program Expands Across Host Cities
Beginning with the current season, Qatar Foundation is supporting BAL4HER Power Hours in every BAL host city.
The initiative connects young women interested in careers within the sports industry with executives, professionals and mentors through networking sessions, structured discussions and development workshops.
The program is designed to increase visibility and career advancement opportunities for women working across Africa’s sports ecosystem.
2026 BAL Playoffs Set For Kigali
The 2026 Basketball Africa League season has featured 12 club teams from 12 African countries competing across conferences hosted in South Africa, Morocco and Rwanda.
The BAL Playoffs and Finals will take place from May 22 to May 31 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
Eight teams have qualified for the playoffs: Petro de Luanda from Angola, Al Ahly from Egypt, the RSSB Tigers from Rwanda, Club Africain from Tunisia, Al Ahly Ly from Libya, FUS Rabat from Morocco, ASC Ville de Dakar from Senegal and Dar City from Tanzania.
In the opening playoff games, Al Ahly will face ASC Ville de Dakar, while the RSSB Tigers will take on FUS Rabat.
Fans attending the playoffs will also receive access to the BAL Fan Zone at BK Arena.
