BAL seal landmark social impact collaboration arrangement

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Qatar Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports human and social development through programs focused on education, research and innovation, and community development, on Wednesday, 13 May, announced a multi-year collaboration that makes Qatar Foundation BAL’s first Official Community Partner.

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Through the collaboration, which is being facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments, Qatar Foundation will support BAL’s social impact programming and efforts to make basketball more accessible across the continent.

Among the priority areas will be chipping in towards court renovations, marrying in with NBA Africa’s broader commitment to build 1,000 courts across the continent, and BAL4HER – the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem.

Qatar Foundation will also serve as Presenting Partner of the BAL’s Ubuntu Trophy, which is awarded annually to a BAL player who has made an impact on the local community during the BAL season, as well as displaying its logo on the back of all BAL game uniforms.

“At Qatar Foundation, we believe that the true strength of a nation lies in the well-being and potential of its people,” Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, said. “We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change. It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. It brings people together, creating bonds across backgrounds and building communities around shared purpose.

"Our vision is to harness the power of sport for good, ensuring that it is accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of all. We are committed to creating environments where participation is safe, welcoming and inspiring, and where the values of teamwork, discipline and leadership are nurtured," she added.

On his part, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall said: "Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round. This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent.”

Beginning this season, Qatar Foundation is supporting BAL4HER Power Hours in each BAL host city, which connects young women pursuing careers in the sports industry with leading executives and practitioners through structured conversations, networking and immersive programming – creating a platform for visibility, relationship-building and professional advancement within the African sports ecosystem.

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The collaboration builds on Qatar Foundation’s broader work in harnessing sport for social development alongside Qatar Sports Investments – a leading strategic investment group in sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle – reinforcing a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for opportunity, inclusion and long‑term community impact.

Qatar Foundation leads and supports sport-for-development programs, including in Africa, that prioritize agency and ownership, culturally grounded delivery, safeguarding, and active community participation, with its sport-focused efforts in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region, and internationally, having a particular emphasis on enabling and empowering sporting participation among women and girls.

The 2026 BAL season has featured 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries playing a total of 42 games across the Kalahari Conference group phase from 27 March – 5 April at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, and the Sahara Conference group phase from 24 April – 3 May at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

The Playoffs and Finals are scheduled for 22– 31 May at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

Eight teams have qualified for the 2026 BAL Playoffs: Petro de Luanda (Angola), Al Ahly (Egypt), the RSSB Tigers (Rwanda), Club Africain (Tunisia), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), FUS Rabat (Morocco), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal) and Dar City (Tanzania).

In the opening game on Friday, May 22, Al Ahly will take on ASC Ville de Dakar at 4 p.m. CAT, followed by the RSSB Tigers facing FUS Rabat at 7 p.m. CAT.

Tickets for playoffs and finals are on sale at BAL.NBA.com/Ticket.

Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at BK Arena.