Launched in 2021 by the NBA and FIBA, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is an ambitious but still unprofitable project that aims to build a commercially sustainable, franchise-based basketball ecosystem across Africa, with plans to sell up to 12 permanent franchises in 2027 while keeping only two merit-based spots.
The NBA is looking toward Europe as its next major expansion project. But the first real step toward a global, NBA-controlled ecosystem began in 2021 with the launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), created in partnership with FIBA.
Backed by the NBA and a group of investors, the BAL was structured under a company valued at $1 billion.
By the end of 2024, roughly $75 million had been invested in developing the league.
Those funds have now been fully used, forcing the BAL to look for new sources of financing. Commercially, the league relies mostly on African sponsors, with Wilson standing out as the only partner shared with the NBA.
The BAL currently features 12 teams, but its long-term vision is far more ambitious. By 2027, the league plans to sell up to 12 permanent franchises to local operators, while keeping just two additional spots based on sporting merit.
Each franchise is expected to cost around $50 million, a model that would generate at least $600 million in investment.
The goal is to create a more professional and financially sustainable competition.
Franchises would operate modern arenas capable of hosting not only BAL games, but also NBA exhibition tours, concerts, and other large-scale events.
This approach closely resembles what the NBA is reportedly considering for a future European project, where investors and clubs would shoulder the initial financial burden.
Credit AP - Scanpix
So far, profitability has remained elusive. The BAL reportedly lost around $19 million in 2024, despite generating $15 million in revenue – an 88% increase year over year, according to 2Playbook's Cristian Garcia.
The league has faced criticism for slow development, uneven attendance, and occasional delays in player payments.
For several clubs, participation remains financially unsustainable without support from governments or national federations.
Despite these challenges, the BAL has had a measurable impact on basketball in Africa.
Since its launch, the league has reportedly contributed more than $250 million to the continent's GDP and helped create approximately 37,000 jobs.
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