The Basketball Africa League expects to announce its first permanent franchises in 2027, NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said, but the timetable for completing the transition remains uncertain. Tatum added that discussions with priority bidders were continuing and that franchises could be integrated progressively into the competition.
The NBA and FIBA have received dozens of offers for permanent franchises, including submissions from established markets such as Nigeria and Senegal. Offers have also come from emerging markets identified as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa. A Cape Town bid centred on GrandWest Arena was rejected, although potential investors for a franchise elsewhere in South Africa were still in discussion.
No permanent franchise has yet been announced. Tatum said clubs without franchise status would continue to have an annual opportunity to qualify through the FIBA “Road to BAL” pathway. Permanent franchises would receive automatic, regular participation in the championship.
The NBA and FIBA have operated the BAL in Africa since its creation in 2021. Although the league is not yet profitable, its revenues increased by more than 100% between 2021 and 2024 before stabilising, according to ESPN.
