Because the Basketball Africa League (BAL) prepares to transition from a tournament-based qualification system to a semi-closed franchise mannequin that includes 10 everlasting groups and two annual qualifying slots, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has recognized Kigali among the many cities able to host franchise groups.
A franchise league is a closed sports activities system by which groups function as everlasting, privately owned entities. Golf equipment are granted unique rights to particular markets, aren’t topic to relegation, and share league-wide revenues and assets.
In an interview with Andscape earlier this week, Tatum was requested which African cities are prepared for the franchise mannequin.
“I’d go to the BAL cities that we performed in. Clearly Kigali. I’d say Kigali has the most effective enviornment on the continent. That’s why we’ve performed all six seasons in Rwanda and Kigali, together with 5 of the six playoffs and finals. So, Kigali is prepared,” he famous.
Tatum additionally highlighted Pretoria in South Africa, Dakar in Senegal, Rabat in Morocco, Cairo in Egypt, Nairobi in Kenya and Lagos in Nigeria as markets which will have what’s required to help franchise groups.
He mentioned the mannequin would assist set up long-term, regionally rooted golf equipment, deepen fan engagement and unlock new industrial alternatives throughout key markets.
The league's plans had been mentioned through the BAL Investor Summit and Innovation Summit, held on the sidelines of the 2026 BAL playoffs in Kigali from Might 22-26.
In response to Tatum, bids for franchise slots are being thought-about from throughout the continent, with appropriate enviornment infrastructure a key requirement. He added that everlasting franchises may very well be launched as early because the 2027 or 2028 season.
“We’re within the course of now of transitioning the BAL from a totally open league and mannequin the place yearly, 12 totally different groups may take part within the league,” he mentioned.
“As a way to qualify now, it’s a must to win your nationwide championship. So, we principally take 12 nationwide champions. And naturally, these nationwide champions can change each single yr. So, after the primary six seasons, we’ve determined that now’s the precise time to transition the BAL from an open mannequin to extra of a franchise mannequin and a semi-closed mannequin,” he added.
“We expect that could be a reflection of the success of the league over its first six seasons and the large progress alternatives that we see going ahead for the league by having the addition of everlasting franchises. So, what everlasting franchises will do is they are going to create companions of ours who’re going to put money into developmental alternatives in basketball particularly cities.”
Requested about studies valuing BAL franchises between $50 million and $75 million, Tatum mentioned market forces would in the end decide their value.
“We definitely assume that the worth of those franchises is in that vary. In some markets it may very well be greater. In large markets like Lagos or Johannesburg, Cairo these are large markets. Finally, the market will resolve on what the precise worth is and what it depends upon,” he famous.
He described the franchise possession as a uncommon alternative given the restricted variety of groups anticipated to be made out there within the league’s early years.
