Basketball Africa League Announces 12 Teams for 2026 Season as Pretoria Hosts Opening Tip-Off
The sixth season of the Basketball Africa League is officially locked in, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of its most expansive editions yet.
Announced on 26 February 2026 from Dakar, Senegal, the league confirmed its 12 participating teams and full group phase schedule, with South Africa set to host the opening tip-off on 27 March at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
This year’s lineup signals a strong growth moment for the BAL, with five first-time participants joining the fold, including the league’s first-ever team from Tanzania and debut clubs from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.
A Season Spanning Three Countries
The 2026 campaign will feature 42 games played across three host cities.
The Kalahari Conference tips off in Pretoria from 27 March to 5 Ap...









