• Rwanda to host playoffs and finals of The BAL for the third time in a row.
• Eight teams from across the continent battle for The BAL Season 3 glory.
• BAL Season 3 playoffs and finals will take place at Rwanda’s BK Arena, from 20-27 May 2023.

Since 2021, Rwanda has hosted the Basketball Africa League (BAL) featuring teams from across the African continent. As a founding and host partner of the Basketball Africa League, Visit Rwanda is thrilled to welcome passionate fans of the sport for an exciting Season 3 in Kigali.

The Basketball Africa League is Africa’s top-tier basketball league, and is a joint effort between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The third edition saw Dakar, Senegal host the Sahara conference, Cairo, Egypt hosting the Nile conference. Now eight teams from both conferences gear up to compete for the title in this highly anticipated league from 20-27 May, 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

“We had an incredible journey starting in March where the eight teams qualified for the third consecutive BAL finals in BK Arena. We are super excited today about the matchups and tip off for the BAL in Kigali. I encourage fans to buy tickets for the games at www.bal.nba.com and for those who can’t access the BK Arena, the games are broadcasted in over 200 countries. We look forward to an exciting competition,” says Amadou Gallo Fallo, President of the Basketball Africa League.

“To my fellow Rwandans, the Basketball Africa League is back. Let’s warmly welcome our guests, cheer up REG BBC and all teams competing in this third season of BAL playoffs and finals and enjoy to the fullest the beauty of sport and the good ambiance around the BAL,” says Hon. Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports.

As part of The BAL Season 3 playoffs and finals, Visit Rwanda and partners will unveil a range of initiatives and hold side events that will shape the future of basketball in Rwanda. These include the unveiling of the Kimironko Basketball Court, Jr. NBA coaching clinics, a Special Olympics Unified Game, the Innovation Summit and more.

Rwanda will be represented in the tournament by Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Basketball Club which is keen to make the country proud.

Information on how to buy tickets, game schedules, ticket giveaways, and more fan engagement events during The BAL week can be found on the Visit Rwanda website. The general public, including basketball fans and friends of Rwanda, are encouraged to support their teams and follow @visitrwanda_now and @thebal for instant updates, ticket give-aways and news of The BAL Season 3.

With teams coming from different corners of the continent and fans from around the world, Visit Rwanda looks forward to creating the best tourism experience for all. Rwanda offers a diversity of natural wonders such as gorilla treks at the Volcanoes National Park, mesmerizing canopy walk and trails in Nyungwe National Park, and breathtaking landscapes and the Big Five in Akagera National Park. To access more information on Rwanda’s top tourist destinations and tour packages check out the Visit Rwanda website.

Visit Rwanda and BAL are excited to welcome all to Kigali to experience the thrill and energy of the Basketball Africa League.

About Visit Rwanda

Visit Rwanda is the tourism arm of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which promotes private sector growth to accelerate the country’s economic development. They collaborate with local partners to create tourism products that benefit tourists, communities, and the environment. Find more on Visit Rwanda at www.visitrwanda.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About the BAL

The BAL is a partnership between FIBA and the NBA, featuring 12 club teams from Africa. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, it expands FIBA’s regional club competitions and represents the NBA’s first league outside of North America. Follow @theBAL on social media and visit www.theBAL.com for more information.

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Media Contacts

• Doreen Ingabire, Head of Communications, Rwanda Development Board, doreen.ingabire@rdb.rw
• Edwin Eselem, BAL Communications, eeselem@thebal.com