Basketball Africa League dey target 2027 to announce im first permanent franchises, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum confirm am. Wetin date dem go begin compete still no clear, because say e expect to change the system gradually.
BAL dey move away from im current qualification-based format towards one franchise model wey dem design make e attract long-term investment, make club structure strong and improve financial sustainability. Permanent franchises go get guaranteed participation, while qualification slots go still remain for other clubs across Africa.
The league receive dozens of bids before im first June deadline. Markets wey already dey strong, like Nigeria and Senegal, attract plenty interest, together with emerging markets like Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa. Rwanda don host several BAL competitions since im first season for 2021, but nobody don confirm any permanent franchise for Rwanda or any other market.
Tatum say say dem still dey talk with the priority bidders, and e expect the franchises to join the competition one by one as time dey go. The model go keep annual chances for African clubs to qualify through the league’s partnership with FIBA. Permanent franchises also go expect to invest for grassroots development, talent identification and basketball infrastructure.
