Get ready, basketball fanatics! The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is about to unleash its most electrifying season yet, with the sixth edition promising an unparalleled showcase of talent, passion, and African sporting prowess. This isn't just a tournament; it's a continent-wide celebration of the game.
Key Points for BAL Season 6:
- Season 6 tips off March 27, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa.
- 12 elite teams from 12 nations will compete across three vibrant host countries.
- The epic journey culminates with the BAL Finals on May 31, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda.
- A new two-conference format promises intense, continent-spanning competition.
The Road to Kigali: A Continent-Spanning Basketball Extravaganza
The 2026 BAL season officially tips off on Friday, March 27, at the iconic SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. This thrilling journey will stretch over two months, culminating in the highly anticipated 2026 BAL Finals on Sunday, May 31, at the state-of-the-art BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
This year, 12 premier club teams from 12 African countries will battle it out across a demanding 42-game schedule. The league has strategically divided these powerhouses into two conferences, each comprising six formidable teams, ensuring competitive matchups right from the start.
Each conference is set for a gruelling 15-game group phase, where every team will face their five conference rivals once. The Kalahari Conference will ignite the action in Pretoria from March 27 to April 5, showcasing the continent's finest talents in South Africa.
Following this, the Sahara Conference will take centre stage from April 24 to May 3 at the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. From these intense group stages, a select eight teams will earn their coveted spots in the Playoffs, all converging on Kigali for the knockout rounds from May 22 to May 31. Fans eager to witness history in the making can register their interest for tickets at BAL.NBA.com.
Beyond the Buzzer: BAL's Impact On & Off the Court
A Vision for Growth and Global Recognition
BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall passionately articulates the league's unwavering commitment:
