Rwanda’s reputation for hosting major sporting events continues to soar with the confirmation that the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs and Final will once again take place in the capital city of Kigali.
Since the inauguration of the BK Arena in Kigali, the country has become a favoured destination for significant sporting spectacles. Following this trend, the Basketball Africa League has announced that Kigali will serve as the host city for the 2024 BAL Playoffs and final.
Rwanda has already successfully hosted the last three BAL Finals, starting from Season One, which was entirely held at the BK Arena. The most recent Season Three finale witnessed a full-capacity attendance, marking a triumphant return since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to this exciting news, the BAL and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) have revealed a collaboration aimed at bolstering youth development and social impact programs.
The BAL, a professional league formed through a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) of the United States, features 12 clubs from across Africa. The league recently concluded its third season in May 2023.
As part of the extended collaboration, the BAL and RDB have agreed to a five-year extension, ensuring that the BAL will continue to hold games at the BK Arena in Kigali each season, including the BAL Playoffs and Finals in 2024, 2026, and 2028.
Furthermore, the partnership ensures that “Visit Rwanda,” the country’s marketing and tourism initiative, will remain a foundational and host partner of the BAL. Visit Rwanda will continue to have visibility on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine. RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, will continue as the official airline partner of the BAL, facilitating travel for select BAL teams and staff to and from Kigali.
Expressing his enthusiasm, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall highlighted the integral role of the Rwanda Development Board as a foundational partner in the successful launch and growth of the Basketball Africa League. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the renewal of the collaboration, which will bring BAL games, as well as youth development and social impact programs, to Rwanda for years to come.
RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about extending the collaboration with the BAL. She emphasized the tremendous success and economic benefits experienced during the previous three years of the partnership. Akamanzi also affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to showcasing its tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, and locally-made products to the world through the BAL and other major events.
RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo expressed pride in the partnership and highlighted the unifying power of sport. She affirmed RwandAir’s dedication to delivering exceptional customer service and their eagerness to connect fans and players through their extensive route network.
Rwanda’s Sports Minister, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, emphasized the significance of the partnership renewal, solidifying the country’s status as the home of the most prestigious basketball league in Africa. She emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to using this partnership to strengthen the sports industry, including talent development programs, capacity strengthening initiatives, and job creation opportunities for Rwandans.
The Season Three BAL Final, held in May, saw Egyptian team Al Ahly claim the crown by defeating Senegal’s AS Douanes with a score of 80-65. Uganda’s City Oilers, despite finishing at the bottom of the Nile Conference, secured a spot in next year’s competition as representatives of the country by winning their eighth consecutive National Basketball League title.