Latest news with #BasketballAfricaLeague
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Luol Deng Talks The BAL's Growth And Building A Lasting Impact Across Africa
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Luol Deng with his OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) after ... More an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on July 7, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - Pool/Getty Images) When the Basketball Africa League (BAL) tipped off its inaugural season in 2021, it set in motion a transformative movement. Backed by the NBA and FIBA, the BAL represented a bold bet on Africa's basketball ecosystem. Today, it's delivering on that promise with momentum, meaning, and their strong message: Inspire, Empower, Elevate. Few have championed this vision more than the league's earliest ambassadors, including former NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng, who has been deeply embedded in the BAL's evolution. His reflections on the league's growth are rooted in both lived experience and long-term vision. In an interview with during the Nile Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, Deng discussed several key topics. He highlighted the growth of the league and the heightened level of competition. Additionally, he emphasised the league's social impact initiatives aimed at empowering players. Deng also shared details about an exciting new chapter for the league: hosting the Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. A general view of the final game of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference between ASC ... More Ville de Dakar and Union Sportive Monastirienne at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, on May 4, 2025. ASC Ville de Dakar participated for the first time in the Africa Basketball League (BAL) after winning the Senegal championship in 2024, during the Sahara Conference against teams from Tunisia, Angola and Cape Verde. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) that brings together 12 teams showcasing some of the best players from across the continent. Rabat and Dakar have already hosted their respective conferences with Kigali hosting the Nile Conference on May 2025. The finals will take place in Pretoria on June 2025. (Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images) Deng understands the power of a platform better than most. Having transitioned from NBA stardom to executive leadership, he has witnessed how professional infrastructure can benefit not only elite athletes but also entire economies. But that kind of transformation, he insists, doesn't happen overnight. 'The BAL has been growing every year. I think a lot of people are just catching on now that it's becoming more popular, but it really started over a decade ago, running outdoor camps, investing in the youth," Deng says. "The BAL is a result of that early work.' Those early investments in community development and youth engagement laid the foundation for what is now a thriving professional ecosystem. And for Deng, the most striking shift is that basketball in Africa has become a viable career path. 'Now we have players making a living through basketball, in Africa. That wasn't the case before,' he says. 'This league has elevated standards. It's televised, it's organised, and most importantly, it's sustainable.' The BAL's multinational format, with teams representing countries across the continent, offers more than just competition. It fosters national pride, strengthens regional economies, and amplifies the continent's visibility on a global stage. The 2025 BAL season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through broadcast partnerships and streaming platforms, a scope unheard of in previous decades for the sport on the continent. KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 20: Robinson Opong Odoch #5 of Made by Basketball scores the game-winning three ... More point basket during the game against Nairobi City Thunder during the Nile Conference Group on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) One of the most striking shifts in this season's BAL has been the level of parity across the league. The era of one team dominating the field is over. Now, every matchup feels like a playoff game. 'This year, almost every game goes down to the fourth quarter,' Deng observes. 'It speaks to how teams are evolving. There's intention behind every roster move now.' That competitive evolution is more than just exciting, it carries real financial weight. It translates into higher-quality basketball, stronger viewership, more compelling storylines, and deeper investment interest. Still, Deng is quick to point out that the league's long-term success won't hinge solely on talent or tight scores. What truly matters is the work happening behind the curtain; the strategy, structure, and systems being built by the teams themselves. 'We always talk about the talent, but the system matters,' he says. 'Teams are getting smarter about how they build rosters, not just chasing names, but asking: What do we need to compete at the highest level?' 'What you're seeing now is that teams are understanding the business side of the sport. Talent alone doesn't build a brand. You need cohesion, development, and leadership.' KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 27: Luol Deng and Joakim Noah attend the game between the A.S. Douanes and the ... More Petroleos De Luanda during the 2024 Basketball Africa League Playoffs on May 27, 2024 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Couliau/NBAE via Getty Images) For Deng, the BAL's biggest value isn't just what it offers players during their careers, but what it prepares them for after. Through BAL Advance, the league provides mentorship in areas like entrepreneurship, branding, and financial planning, which Deng considers non-negotiable. 'I always tell players: basketball is not forever. Start building relationships now. Learn something beyond the game,' he says. 'A lot of guys leave the court with nothing because they didn't plan. This league is giving them a head start.' This advice is rooted in his post-career success. Deng has built a respected portfolio as an investor, advisor, and sports executive, and he's intent on passing that blueprint forward. 'Wherever you start, whether in Africa or elsewhere, begin learning. Use your platform while you have it.' While the BAL was launched with NBA backing, the involvement of individual players, alumni, and executives is only now beginning to scale. According to Deng, that's no coincidence. 'The NBA is watching closely. Guys see how well this is run, how talented the players are, and they want in,' he explains. 'You're going to see more investment from current and former players, not just as sponsors or fans, but as owners, mentors, and stakeholders.' This season, the league paid tribute to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, a monumental figure in African basketball history. Honouring his legacy, all player jerseys and select warm-up gear featured a 'DM55' patch, and moments of silence were held before each conference group phase. Mutombo, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was the NBA's first global ambassador after retiring in 2009. His tireless advocacy and passion for growing the game across Africa were foundational to the BAL's creation and ongoing success. RABAT, MOROCCO - APRIL 10: Patch honoring Dikembe Mutombo during the game between the FUS de Rabat ... More and Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club during the Kalahari Conference during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Media Day on April 8, 2025 Rabat, Morocco. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images) The decision to host the 2024 BAL Finals in Pretoria, from the 6th - 14th of June, marks a symbolic shift. After four seasons in Kigali, the league is making a statement: this is a pan-African project, and every country has a role to play. 'It's huge,' Deng says. 'South Africa has a lot to offer and this will challenge them to step up not just on the court, but in fan engagement, media, and event production.' Pretoria also serves as a crucial test for the league's expansion ambitions. The question is: can the BAL Finals evolve into a multi-city celebration of African basketball and culture, on the scale of major global sporting events like the UEFA Champions League final or NBA All-Star Weekend? 'If Pretoria delivers, it sets a new standard, and shows that any African country with infrastructure and ambition can host on this level.' TOPSHOT - (From L) South Sudan's #11 Marial Shayok, South Sudan's #10 Jt Thor, South Sudan's #13 ... More Majok Deng, South Sudan's #26 Sunday Dech, South Sudan's #14 Peter Jok and South Sudan's #09 Wenyen Gabriel acknowledge the public at the end of the men's preliminary round group C basketball match between South Sudan and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images) Luol Deng's dedication to basketball is inseparable from his deep national pride. As President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, he has been instrumental in reshaping the country's basketball story, guiding a nation emerging from conflict to its historic 2024 Paris Olympic run. Deng's leadership has not only raised South Sudan's profile on the world stage but also ignited hope and unity for a generation of young South Sudanese still healing from years of turmoil. 'We weren't just representing South Sudan at the World Cup. We were representing the continent,' Deng says. 'Our journey proves what's possible with vision, unity, and belief.' Looking ahead to AfroBasket 2025 slated for this summer in Angola, Deng sees a continent brimming with potential. 'There are seven, maybe eight African teams right now capable of competing at the highest international level,' he notes. 'That excites me because when Africa rises as one, the world takes notice.' The convergence of global capital, media rights, and emerging markets within sports is reshaping the industry, and Africa is at the forefront of this transformation. With a rapidly growing youth population and surging digital engagement, the continent is not just participating in the global sports economy; it's actively redefining it. The BAL stands as a powerful example of this shift, where strategic investment, innovative broadcasting partnerships, and local passion come together to create a new model for sports development. For investors, brands, and fans alike, Africa's rising momentum signals a market full of untapped potential and lasting opportunity.
Libya Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Al Ahly Tripoli qualify for BAL finals with record-breaking run
Kigali, Rwanda – Libyan basketball club Al Ahly Tripoli have secured their place in the finals of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after a dominant performance in the Nile Conference, finishing with a perfect 6–0 record. The team, coached by Lebanon's Fouad Abou Chacra, swept past South Africa's MBB, Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder, and hosts Rwanda Army, winning both home and away ties in the round-robin stage. Their unbeaten campaign extends to 12 games, including earlier qualifiers in Tripoli and Abidjan. Al Ahly's performances in Kigali were not only convincing but historic. The Libyan side shattered the BAL's all-time scoring record with a 115–87 win over Nairobi, eclipsing the previous record of 113 points set by US Monastir in 2021. They also became the first team in the tournament's history to score over 100 points in four separate matches. Senegalese forward Jean Jacques Boissy made headlines with a 30-point game—the highest individual tally in BAL history—surpassing the previous best of 29 points set by US Monastir's DJ Hardy. Team captain Mohamed Al-Saadi also impressed, ranking second in rebounds with an average of 9.5 per game. Speaking after the win, point guard Nassim Badrouch praised the team's achievement but urged caution ahead of the finals in Pretoria, South Africa, which begin on 5 June. Al Ahly Tripoli will face fellow undefeated side Al Ittihad Alexandria of Egypt to determine final seeding. The winner will face the loser of Creole Sport (Cape Verde) vs FUS Rabat (Morocco) in the quarter-finals, while the runner-up will play the winner. The knockout stage will determine the 2025 BAL champion. The tournament is organised by FIBA Africa in collaboration with the NBA. Tags: basketball club Al Ahly Tripoli
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
MBB miss out on Pretoria playoffs after BAL conference elimination
Johannesburg's Made by Ball's (MBB) dream of reaching the Basketball Africa League playoffs in their debut season was torpedoed when they were beaten 102-73 by Al Alhy Tripoli in their last Nile Conference game at the BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday. This means SA will not have a representative when the playoffs take place at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria in two weeks. MBB had to beat conference leaders Al Ahly if they were to qualify to play on home soil as per the standings. They needed to finish second or at least third for the last wild card spot. That spot falls to FUS Rabat of Morocco, who, like MBB, won two games but have a better points difference of -19 compared with the Johannesburg side's -64. US import Teafale Lenard Jr put in another impressive shift on top of his 39 points which he had scored the previous day. The ex-NBA G League player put up 18 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, but his efforts were not enough to carry the team over the line. Jovan Mooring with 10 points and Pieter Prinsloo (11) were the only other players to score double figures. The bench contributed 27 points. By contrast, the men from Libya had 49 points. The 2.13m tall David Craig, who missed the Nairobi City Thunder game on Saturday with a stomach bug, returned to the starting five and was the only change head coach Sam Vincent made. Tripoli quickly opened up a four-point gap from the tip-off, but Lenard levelled matters. With that kind of clinical display from the perimeter, there is no question why Jaylen Adams walks away with the @visitrwanda_now MVP accolade 👏. #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) May 25, 2025 From then, MBB found their mojo and put up a seven-point extension into the score line and were 14-7 with four minutes remaining, but the Libyan outfit made a comeback and tied the game 16-16 with two minutes left. Though MBB were resilient, Al Ahly ended up winning the quarter 23-16. MBB kept on chipping important buckets in the second quarter, but whenever they moved closer to Tripoli's score, Italian head coach Abou Chacra's men would step on the accelerator. The closest difference MBB moved to was a three-point deficit at 30-27 with four minutes before halftime. Al Ahly, who had already secured a place in the playoffs, went to the dressing room team talk ahead at 42-34. The Libyans ensured that the writing was on the wall for the South Africans and diminished any thoughts of a miracle comeback. They walked away with the game in the third quarter. Jean Jacques Boissy, who was arguably the best player in the conference, slotted a three-point step back jump shot five minutes into the quarter, and Al Ahly took a lead of 22 points. Tripoli had a 69-48 advantage heading into the last 10 minutes of the game. Despite Lenard, Prinsloo and Mooring putting shots at the end, it was not enough to stop the Libyans as they walked away with a 29-point win. US player Jaylen Adams, who played 32:43 for Tripoli, finished with a top score of 28 points.
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
MBB's Pretoria playoffs qualification hangs by thread
Johannesburg's Made by Ball (MBB) will have to wait another 24 hours to learn their fate in the Basketball Africa League after they blew an opportunity to secure playoff qualification, losing 85-76 to Nairobi City Thunder at the BK Arena in Kigali, on Saturday. A win over Thunder would have booked the South Africans a ticket to Pretoria in two weeks, but now they have to beat Nile Conference leaders Al Alhy Tripoli in their final game on Sunday, or the country will not have a representative in the playoffs. US Imports Teafale Lenard Jr with 39 points and nine rebounds, and Jovan Mooring's 15 points and four rebounds were the standout players for MBB. None of the players who started and those who came from the bench made it past double figures. MBB missed the presence of 2.13m David Craig, who had stellar performances in their two consecutive wins during the week. His teammate Nkosi Sibanyoni said the player had a stomach ache. Lenard Jr knocks down a much-needed triple for MBB in a tightly contested third quarter. Follow the action live on YT: #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) May 24, 2025 His absence in the paint was severely felt from the get-go defensively as the Kenyans bum-rushed the South Africans. Ariel Okall Okoll Koranga quickly put up four points through driving layups, and Elbert Odero, together with Eugene Adera, added one apiece from the free throw line. Stunned by the fast start from Nairobi, MBB head coach Sam Vincent called a timeout. His talk seemed to calm the nerves as straight from the huddle, Mooring opened the scoring for MBB with a two-pointer, but the Kenyans kept on chipping away at the score and halfway through the quarter, took a 10-point lead. With MBB cornered, another Lenard Jr stepped up and he scored 14 points, closing the gap and handing the SA side a 24-20 advantage. MBB stepped on the accelerator in the second quarter and took an 11-point lead halfway, but failure to convert points and rebounds at crucial moments allowed the Kenyans to spark a comeback, eventually going to the break 41-39. Lenard and Mooring continued their fight in the third quarter, combining for 12 points, but despite those efforts, Nairobi took a 55-54 lead. Seconds into the fourth quarter, Omar Thielemans put up a two-point layup to hand MBB the lead. Lenard Jr followed that with another two-pointer and that would be the last time the SA team would take the lead at 58-57 with nine minutes to go. Lenard would continue making shots, but the other MBB players were lost at sea. City Thunder quickly extended their lead to a seven-point difference with five minutes to go, and then they went on a stretch to eventually walk away with their first win of the competition. City Thunder had five players who made it past double figures, with Odero making 23 points.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Years In The Making, Lethal Shooter Experiences The BAL Up Close
Chris Matthews, widely known as Lethal Shooter, had always dreamed of witnessing Africa's premier basketball league firsthand. But for three years, a packed schedule kept that dream just out of reach. With the Basketball Africa League (BAL) celebrating its landmark fifth season, Matthews made sure this year would be different, determined not to let another opportunity slip away. 'My schedule has always been packed. This year was tough as well, but I told myself that I really wanted to come here. I wanted to experience it,' Matthews shared. And experience it he did. From the moment he touched down in Rwanda's capital for the final leg of the BAL regular season, the Nile Conference, Matthews was captivated. The high level of basketball on display was only part of the allure. What struck him even more was the electric atmosphere inside the arena: the rhythmic pulse of the drums, the roaring crowd, and the animated mascot combined to create an environment rich in culture, energy, and community—something that transcended sport. In a conversation with Matthews reflected on his long-awaited introduction to the BAL and the growing influence of African basketball on the global stage. He emphasized the league's potential as a serious pathway for rising talent and shared practical advice for young athletes, especially those with limited access to resources, on how to elevate their game through focused, high-level training Matthews, a globally recognised shooting coach who has worked with elite NBA and WNBA talent, is no stranger to high-level competition. Yet what he witnessed at the BAL reinforced his beliefs on long-standing narratives about the athletes on and from the continent. 'This is by far one of the best experiences I've ever had,' Matthews shared. 'To me personally, I think these are the best athletes in the world. That narrative that African players are raw and unpolished? That's ignorant.' Now in its fifth season, the BAL is evolving into more than a continental league by positioning itself as a legitimate global destination for aspiring professional athletes. Matthews sees it as a league with the potential to rival more established competitions, like EuroLeague, in the eyes of rising talent. 'The level of play, the intensity, the skill, this is some of the best basketball I've ever seen,' he said. 'It's not just about talent; it's about heart, discipline, and hunger. More people need to know about this.' According to Matthews, greater exposure is key. He believes the media has a crucial role to play in changing perceptions by spotlighting the BAL's quality, passion, and professionalism. He also offered a forward-thinking solution: hosting American-based tryouts for the BAL to improve access and visibility. 'A lot of players don't know how great this place is,' he explained. 'If I don't make it to the NBA, I go to EuroLeague, and I could go to the BAL. That should be the mindset. The talent is out there. What's needed is more access, more stories, and more belief in what African basketball can offer.' Matthews didn't make the trip to the land of a thousand hills just to observe, he came to contribute. As part of his trip, he hosted a coaches' clinic, equipping over 100 local trainers with the same shooting drills and techniques he uses with his high-profile clients. 'In Africa, some of the resources aren't there yet,' Matthews said. 'But the knowledge is. The internet is. We have the ability to put out free content. We just need to commit to it.' This grassroots investment, he believes, is key to sustainable development. His mission is clear: empower coaches, equip players, and support the next generation of African stars. 'I feel like it's my obligation to come back to Africa, to help all the trainers here, to help all the coaches, to give them free knowledge so we can continue to push the game of basketball.' More than mechanics, Matthews stressed values: humility, effort, and respect, as fundamental to sustainable growth. 'Even if players make the same mistake over and over, just make sure they understand. Look me in the eyes. Don't put your head down. Listen to your coach,' he said. Then, turning directly to the next generation, he added: 'If you're a young player watching or listening, just make sure you always respect your coach. And if you do that, you're always going to be successful.' Reflecting on what he hopes his contribution to the sport on the continent will be, Matthews said, 'Hopefully, when I'm like 60 or 70 years old, I have an impact on the game of basketball here that I want to have in the world.' This statement reveals a vision that goes far beyond the present moment, a vision rooted in legacy, purpose, and unwavering dedication. For Matthews, his journey to Kigali was far more than a visit; it was a commitment to the future of African basketball. By sharing his expertise through coaching clinics, mentoring local trainers, and amplifying the incredible talent within the continent, he is sowing seeds that will nurture the game's growth for generations. He knows that true influence isn't measured by instant success, but by the lasting imprint left on players, coaches, and communities. Within that enduring legacy lies a powerful hope, that the BAL evolves into a global hub for rising stars, that African basketball talent gains the recognition it deserves on the world stage, and that the core values of discipline, respect, and passion become the foundation for a new era. Matthews' time in Kigali stands as a testament to the fact that basketball here is far more than a sport, it's a movement with the power to unite, inspire, and transform. And with passionate leaders like him dedicated to its advancement, the impact he dreams of is not only possible, it's inevitable.
