RSSB Tigers will represent Africa at the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, which will take place in Beijing, China, from September 22 to 27. The Rwandan club earned its place in the tournament after winning the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title in Kigali in May. Tigers have been drawn in Group A alongside Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania and hosts Shanghai Sharks of China. Times Sport takes a closer look at Tigers’ two group-stage opponents. Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania) Rytas Vilnius enter the tournament as the reigning Basketball Champions League (BCL) champions after beating AEK BC 92-86 in overtime in the final in Badalona, Spain. The Lithuanian side produced a remarkable comeback, overturning a 20-point deficit in the second half before forcing overtime and completing the victory. It was their seventh consecutive win in the competition. ALSO READ: Tigers not going to Intercontinental Cup to just participate–RSSB boss Like Tigers, Rytas will be making their debut at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Star man: Simonas Lukosius Lukosius will be looking to shine on the global after his stellar performances in the BCL 2026 season where he was named finals MVP after scoring 23 points in the final. He also set a finals record with seven three-pointers, making him one of the players Tigers will need to keep a close eye on. Shanghai Sharks (China) Shanghai Sharks are one of China’s best-known basketball clubs and are perhaps best known internationally for developing Yao Ming, who went on to become an NBA star. The Sharks won their first Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship in 2002 after reaching the finals in three consecutive seasons. They defeated the Bayi Rockets in the title series. Yao Ming later became involved in the club’s ownership, taking over the team in 2009 when it was facing financial difficulties. ALSO READ: RSSB Tigers to open FIBA Intercontinental Cup against Rytas Vilnius The Sharks head into the 2026 season with a blend of experienced domestic players and international recruits. They qualified for the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup through a direct selection by FIBA to represent Asia, after the Basketball Champions League Asia was not played during the 2025–26 season and therefore could not serve as the traditional qualification pathway. Star man: Wang Zhelin Wang Zhelin is one of the Sharks’ key domestic players and a major figure in their lineup. The experienced centre is expected to play an important role for Shanghai alongside the club’s international recruits.
