The Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 playoffs tip off in Kigali on Friday, with eight teams—including home side RSSB Tigers—battling for the coveted continental crown. Beyond the action at BK Arena, the tournament will also feature a packed programme of business forums, community initiatives, development clinics, music performances, and fan engagement activities running alongside the playoffs through May 31. Here are some of the key side events set to take place during the BAL playoffs: BAL Innovation Summit Scheduled for May 26 at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, the BAL Innovation Summit will bring together global sports executives, investors, cultural leaders, and brand partners to discuss the commercial future of African sport. ALSO READ: Six things to know as BAL Playoffs return to Kigali The summit will explore how basketball — and sport more broadly — is emerging as a growing investment asset across Africa, with conversations expected to focus on media rights, innovation, sponsorship, and the business opportunities shaping the industry. BAL x Wave Business Brunch BAL and Wave will host an invitation-only Business Brunch at Glimpse Hotel on May 29under the theme: “Youth, Innovation & Financial Inclusion: Building the Next Generation of African Leaders.” The event will convene policymakers, business executives, and technology leaders to examine how sport, fintech, and policy can combine to create opportunities for young Africans. Expected speakers include BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, Wave leadership, and Bank of Kigali Chief Executive Dr Diane Karusisi. Coaches and Referees Clinics BAL will also stage technical development clinics for coaches and referees in Kigali from May 26 to 29. The coaching programme will feature sessions led by former NBA champion Ian Mahinmi, NBA Academy Africa staff, scouts, and performance specialists. Topics will include player development, defensive systems, scouting, sports science, and video analysis. ALSO READ: BAL playoffs: Meet teams heading to Kigali for championship battle Referees will take part in dedicated training sessions led by NBA Senior Referee Greg Dandridge, aimed at improving officiating standards and consistency across African competitions. Community impact and youth engagement Community outreach will remain a central part of the BAL playoffs, with activities focused on literacy, refugee youth empowerment, and women’s basketball development. BAL will organize a book-reading initiative in partnership with NABU to promote literacy and storytelling among young people. Another programme, supported by ServiceNow, will engage 100 refugee youths from Kiziba Refugee Camp in Karongi District through basketball training and life-skills sessions. BAL4HER initiative The playoffs will also host BAL4HER, a women’s basketball development initiative featuring a multi-day camp, mentorship sessions, and showcase events involving 35 young female athletes from across Africa. A BAL4HER Power Hour conference will further bring together women working in sports for mentorship and networking discussions, highlighting the league’s commitment to inclusion and leadership development. Red carpet and cultural showcase The BAL playoffs will also include a red-carpet experience spotlighting players, celebrities, influencers, and cultural figures.
