Featured image credit: Bank of Kigali
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has signed a multi-year extension to its partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, which will see BAL games continue to be held at Kigali’s BK Arena.
The 10,000-seat arena will host BAL games each season, including the playoffs and finals in 2024, 2026 and 2028. The BAL and RDB will also collaborate on youth development and social impact programmes.
BK Arena opened in the summer of 2019, with work on the project taking just six months to complete. BK Group, the parent company of the Bank of Kigali, acquired naming rights to the arena in May last year in a six-year deal worth a reported $8m (£6.3m/€7.3m).
BK Arena is the largest indoor arena in East Africa and hosted the inaugural season of the BAL in 2021. It also hosted the playoffs and final of the 2022 and 2023 competitions.
The 2023 BAL finals took place at BK Arena on May 27, with Egypt’s Al Ahly defeating Senegal’s AS Dounes 80-65.
BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall said: “The Rwanda Development Board, as a foundational partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons.
“Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come.”
Clare Akamanzi, chief executive of RDB, added: “We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together.
“The BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, Made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport in Africa.”
Visit Rwanda, the country’s marketing and tourism initiative, will also continue as a foundational and host partner of the BAL. Visit Rwanda will continue to have a presence on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine.
RwandAir, the country’s national airline, will also continue as the official airline of the league and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff.
The BAL is a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and North America’s NBA. BK Arena also hosts tennis events, concerts and conferences.
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