Rwanda and Basketball Africa League (BAL) could soon reach an agreement of extending their partnership, well-placed sources have confirmed. In 2020, both parties signed a three-year partnership agreemment making Rwanda an official founding and host partner of the tourney. ALSO READ: BAL Playoffs: Tickets for REG vs Al Ahly sold-out ahead of Saturday clash Under the partnership, Rwanda hosted the first-ever BAL tournament at the state-of-the-art BK Arena during the past two seasons in 2021 and 2022, showcasing the country as a world-class tourism and investment destination. Sources say that the partnership also positioned the country as a continental hub for sporting events and sports-based tourism. The tourney is the first professional league run by the National Basketball Association (NBA) outside North America, attracting 12 clubs from 12 different African countries to rub shoulders. ALSO READ: Rwanda to host 2023 BAL innovation summit Three years down the road, according to Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, major benefits in hosting the league, especially in improving the level of basketball as a game in Rwanda have been achieved. “Other benefits include the experience gained in sports events hosting, networking platforms that are benefited by mainly our youth making our country a hub for sports.” Mimosa pointed out that the benefits have also been stretched to the national league, citing that as opposed to the situation before where only two teams could dominate, more clubs are coming to the limelight. ALSO READ: BAL-Visit Rwanda: Understanding the impact of the partnership “We have seen our league go from having two major teams but instead to sixteen contenders,” she said, “So why not,” commenting on the possibility of extending the partnership. “That is what we want because it has been a great partnership. We are also working together to see if we can even add more value.” The BAL, a joint partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), is a professional league featuring 12 clubs from across Africa. Initially, NIKE and Jordan Brand were the exclusive outfitter of the new professional league. The league follows club competitions that Fiba has organized in Africa over the years, but it marks the NBA's first time to operate a professional league outside North America. “We have huge ambitions for this league,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall when asked about the current stage of negotiations. “We continue to explore all opportunities,” he added, “This is a pan african product so we are also listening to other bids. We are in discussions to see how far we go.” On Saturday, May 20, Kigali will welcome the third season of the tourney, during which eight teams are expected to rub shoulders in the week-long continental showpiece. REG BBC will be tasked to defend home court advantage against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, which will be the clash of the day. According to Fall, the arena is sold out for the game, a momentum expected to run through the week.
