The NBA is fast-tracking a historic transformation for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
According to the Sports Business Journal, league executives are scheduled to meet with African government leaders in New York this week during the United Nations General Assembly. The high-level discussions will focus on presenting the NBA's vision for a permanent franchise system before entering advanced negotiations with priority investors.
Massive Multi-Million Dollar Bids Already Tabled
The BAL is currently exploring the sale of up to 10 permanent franchise slots to private investors, a move that could fundamentally reshape professional basketball across the continent. Appetite is already high: initial bids submitted in June came from powerhouse African basketball markets, including Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. Some of these proposals reportedly exceed $50 million, representing potentially the largest basketball investments in African history.
Shifting from Open Qualification to Permanent Teams
The proposed franchise model marks a major departure from the BAL’s current ecosystem. The league currently features 12 teams, where select national champions qualify automatically, and others earn their spots through FIBA Africa's "Road to the BAL" tournament.
Driven by the league's rapid growth over its opening seasons, the NBA believes permanent franchises will unlock:
Deeper fan engagement and accelerated commercial growth.
Better player recruitment and long-term retention.
Increased local infrastructure and stadium investment.
The BAL has not yet announced a definitive launch date or a fixed number of final franchises. According to the league’s official FAQ, the final setup will depend on market demand, and the traditional "Road to the BAL" pathway will remain active to ensure open competition.
A Bold New Era for the African Game
This commercial pivot comes as the BAL enjoys unprecedented momentum. Following a successful 2026 season featuring 12 teams from 12 countries, the league continues to break digital and attendance records. The 2025 season drew over 140,000 fans across arenas in South Africa, Morocco, Rwanda, and Senegal, while the BAL YouTube channel saw an 84% surge in live viewership (3.5 million live views). Moving toward a sustainable, commercially backed franchise model could permanently elevate African basketball on the global stage.