Basketball Africa League announces fifth season with first games in Morocco

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced the exciting details for its milestone fifth season, set to tip off on April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The season will culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the first time the BAL games will be hosted in Morocco and the BAL Finals will take place in South Africa. BAL President, Amadou Gallo Fall, expressed his optimism for the future of basketball in Africa, highlighting the league's significant growth and achievements. The fourth season was a remarkable success, with games broadcasted in 214 countries in 17 different languages. The league set attendance records, with over 120,000 fans attending games across four cities. Moreover, the BAL generated an impressive 1.2 billion impressions on social media, showcasing the growing popularity of basketball in Africa. The league also focused on creating engaging in-game experiences, featuring live entertainment, fan zone activations, and performances by local and international artists. The BAL has been instrumental in building a comprehensive basketball ecosystem in Africa, nurturing talent from grassroots levels to elite players. The league has provided a platform for African players to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation of basketball enthusiasts. In a significant development, young players from the BAL have been making waves internationally. Serge Daran and Devin Ecker, who honed their skills in the BAL, were drafted into G-League teams, showcasing the league's role in developing elite talent. Another notable achievement was Urij Chamche being drafted by the Toronto Raptors, marking the first time a player was directly drafted from the continent. The NBA Academy, associated with the BAL, has been pivotal in providing opportunities for African talent to shine on the global stage. The league's impact extends beyond players to coaches as well. In a recent initiative, 28 coaches from 17 African countries participated in the BAL coaches program, gaining valuable experience through internships in the Summer League in Las Vegas. The BAL continues to be a driving force in promoting basketball in Africa, offering a platform for aspiring players and coaches to elevate their game and make a mark on the international basketball scene.