NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has confirmed that the Basketball Africa League (BAL) will announce its first permanent franchises in 2027, although the timeline for their participation under the new competition structure remains uncertain.
The development is part of the league's long-term plan to transition from its current qualification-based format to a franchise model aimed at attracting investment, strengthening club structures and improving the league's financial sustainability.
Under the existing format, clubs qualify for the BAL through domestic competitions and FIBA's Road to BAL qualifiers. The proposed structure will introduce permanent franchises with guaranteed participation while retaining qualification slots for other clubs across the continent.
The 2027 season had previously been viewed as a potential starting point for the new model, but Tatum said the transition would be gradual, with no confirmed date for when the first franchises would begin competing.
"We've made significant progress on transitioning the Basketball Africa League to a franchise model," Tatum said.
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"Ahead of the initial deadline, which was in June, we received dozens of bids for permanent franchises across all of our target markets, including significant interest from established basketball markets like Nigeria and Senegal. We also saw bids from emerging markets with long-term growth potential like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa."
Rwanda among markets attracting investor interest
Rwanda is among the African markets that have attracted interest from potential BAL franchise investors, alongside Kenya and South Africa.
The country has established itself as a key destination for African basketball, having hosted several BAL competitions since the league&039;s inaugural season in 2021.
However, no permanent franchise has been confirmed in Rwanda or any other market.
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Franchises to be introduced gradually
Tatum said discussions with prospective investors were progressing, with the league targeting 2027 for the announcement of its first franchise teams.
"We're advancing discussions with priority bidders, and plan to announce our first BAL franchises in 2027," he said.
"What looks like in terms of when those franchises will begin playing in the BAL is still TBD. We're still working through that, but we do expect to introduce BAL franchises into playing in the BAL on a rolling basis."
He stressed that the franchise system would not eliminate opportunities for other African clubs to qualify for the competition.
"Again, the principle there is going to be similar to Europe where we will continue to preserve open spots that clubs across Africa can qualify for on an annual basis," Tatum said.
He added that the qualification pathway would remain part of the league's partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), allowing clubs without permanent franchise status to compete at the highest level of African club basketball.
The proposed franchise model is expected to open new revenue opportunities by attracting long-term investors and encouraging clubs to develop sustainable operations.
Permanent franchises would also be expected to invest in grassroots basketball development, talent identification and infrastructure to strengthen the sport across Africa.