On Sunday, April 19, the Rwanda Basketball League resumes with several key matchups. The Patriots, league leaders with 17 points, face United Generation (UGB) at 8:00 PM, looking to maintain their lead over Rwanda Energy Group (REG)—which recently secured a victory against East African University Rwanda (86–67) and currently sits in second place. The RSSB Tigers, currently fifth with 13 points, also impressed with a resounding victory over Inspired Generation (95–52). The head coaches of both teams—Sunny Niyomugabo for the Patriots and Yves Murenzi for UGB—emphasize the significance of this match and the need to remain focused.

On April 18, 2026, the Georgia Bulldogs officially announced the signing of David Ugonna Ike, a 2.13-meter center hailing from the NBA Academy Africa. This player, who has shined in recent tournaments with remarkable performances, becomes the first commit of the Bulldogs' 2026 class and the third addition of the offseason. Ike, who previously played for Rivers Hoops in the Basketball Africa League, could step in to replace Somto Cyril, who is currently in the transfer portal. Despite these departures, the team retains a talented core featuring players such as Kanon Catchings and Blue Cain, while continuing to seek ways to bolster its roster with an experienced player.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) will take place in Rabat from April 24 to May 3, 2026, with the Sahara Conference group stage held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. Six African teams, including Moroccan champions Fath Union Sport (FUS Rabat), Al Ahly (Egypt), Club Africain (Tunisia), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal), Maktown Flyers (Nigeria), and JCA Kings (Ivory Coast), will compete in 15 games. The top four teams from this conference will advance to the playoffs and finals, scheduled in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 22 to May 31. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall highlighted the importance of the competition for the development of basketball in Africa. The BAL, a partnership between FIBA and NBA Africa, will begin its sixth season in March 2026.

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been placed in Pot 2 for the draw of the 2026 FIBA World Cup, which will take place in Berlin on April 21. This edition will mark an expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, with nations such as the United States, France, and Australia in Pot 1. D’Tigress will be making their third World Cup appearance after 2006 and 2018, and are preparing intensively with a WNBA tour in the United States, where they will face several top-level teams. The draw will determine their opponents for the competition, which will be held in Germany from September 4 to 13.

President Cissé and head coach Stéphane Konaté of the JCA Kings of Ivory Coast are preparing for the Sahara Conference of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which will take place in Rabat from April 24 to May 3. Led by captain Ulrich Kra, the team aims to showcase the potential of Ivorian basketball on the continental stage. The Kings are focusing on intense physical and mental preparation while keeping their strategies under wraps. To support the team, initiatives are planned for fans in Abidjan, including a fan zone and official club merchandise.

A 3x3 basketball tournament was organized by the Jeunes Chrétiens club in Côte d'Ivoire as part of a fundraising initiative. The event brought together several teams and players, showcasing local talent and strong community involvement in sports. In parallel, hints of further developments involving Guillaume Soro emerged through the release of secret Russian documents, suggesting potential political implications.

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, has announced plans to transform the Basketball Africa League (BAL) into a franchise-based competition. This initiative aims to strengthen the development of basketball in Africa and attract more investment. The change in format is also expected to provide more opportunities for African teams and players on the international stage.

The Maktown Flyers, Nigeria's representatives for the 2026 Basketball Africa League season, have bolstered their roster with several new signings. These additions aim to enhance their performance and enable them to compete effectively in the tournament. Details regarding the signed players and their roles within the team will be crucial for the upcoming season.

Ezi Magbegor, a WNBA star, recently signed a three-year contract with the Seattle Storm worth an estimated AUD 1.8 million per year, making her one of the highest-paid Australian female athletes. After celebrating this major milestone with her family in Melbourne, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career. Magbegor, who won a WNBA championship in 2020 and has competed in two Olympic Games, is now preparing for the new WNBA season starting May 9, while also looking ahead to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in September. She is also excited about the return of her compatriot Jade Melbourne to the team and the growing opportunities for Australian players in the league.

The RSSB Tigers dominated Inspired Generation with a 109–54 victory in a first-round game at the Petit Stade in February. After shining in Basketball Africa League (BAL) games in South Africa, the Tigers are now focusing on the Rwanda Basketball League, where they finished first in the Kalahari Conference with a 4–1 record. They have therefore qualified for the 2026 BAL playoffs, along with Petro de Luanda, Al Ahly Ly, and Dar City. Star player Craig Randall II set a new BAL record by scoring 54 points in a win against Dar City. The Tigers are preparing to face Inspired Generation again on April 17.