The road to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 is officially underway, with Nairobi, Kenya, and Praia, Cape Verde, confirmed as hosts for the Elite 16 tournaments, FIBA Africa has announced.
These tournaments serve as the main qualifying stage for the BAL, bringing together Africa’s top basketball clubs in two divisions — West and East — competing for continental glory. The West Division will take place in Praia from November 11 to 16, followed by the East Division in Nairobi from November 18 to 23.
Nairobi will host the East Division for the second consecutive year. Last season, Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) and Kriol Star (Cape Verde) secured spots in the 2025 BAL season and aim to repeat the feat this year.
Rwanda continues to shine on the continental stage. Through a partnership between BAL and Visit Rwanda, APR Basketball Club, champions of the Rwanda Basketball League, automatically qualify for the BAL final tournament, maintaining the country’s strong presence in African basketball.
Confirmed West Division teams include Kriol Star (Cape Verde), Al Ahly Benghazi (Libya), Centre de Référence de Basketball de Tombouctou (Mali), Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Spintex Knights (Ghana), Moanda Basketball (Gabon), ASB New Generation (DR Congo), and New Tech Université Club (Central African Republic).
For the East Division, Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), Dar City Basketball (Tanzania), and Namuwongo Blazers (Uganda) have already secured their spots.
The Road to BAL 2026 promises high-intensity games, fierce rivalries, and a showcase of African talent, with both Praia and Nairobi ready to host unforgettable basketball action.
