Basketball Africa League Season 6 Tips Off in Pretoria, South Africa on March 27, 2026
Get ready for another electrifying season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL)! Season 6 is set to tip off on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa. This marks a meaningful return for Pretoria, which successfully hosted the BAL playoffs in Season 5. The opening salvo, dubbed the kalahari Conference, will run from March 27th through April 5th, 2026, promising intense competition right out of the gate.
A Familiar Format Returns: Two Conferences, 12 Teams Strong
For its sixth iteration, the BAL is reverting to a two-conference structure, a format that has proven popular and effective. The Kalahari Conference will take center stage in Pretoria. Meanwhile, the Sahara Conference will make its second consecutive appearance in Morocco, this time hosted at the Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex in Rabat. This conference is scheduled to run from April 24th to May 3rd, 2026. The 2025 edition in Morocco was a resounding success, not only on the court with the host team reaching the final stages but also in terms of fan engagement, with packed arenas and a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a March Madness atmosphere.
The top four teams from each conference will advance to the playoffs, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda. Kigali has a storied history with the BAL, having hosted the playoffs for the first four seasons. This return to Kigali for the championship rounds adds another layer of excitement. The conference play will consist of 15 games each, with every team facing its five divisional rivals once.This means each team will play five games in the conference stage, a slight adjustment from the six games played in Season 5. The BAL playoffs are slated to take place at the Kigali Arena from May 22nd to May 31st, 2026.
Dakar Out, Rabat and Pretoria In for Conference Hosting Duties
As anticipated since last season, Dakar, Senegal, will not be hosting a conference in Season 6. Rabat and Pretoria have stepped in to fill the void. This shift highlights the growing infrastructure and commitment from Morocco and South Africa in supporting the BAL, offering greater assurances than were available from Senegalese authorities for this particular season. Consequently, senegalese fans eager to experience the BAL’s excitement at the Dakar Arena will have to wait for future opportunities.
During an online press briefing, the Senegalese president of the BAL, Amadou Gallo Fall, elaborated on the selection of the host cities:
“The return of the BAL to south Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda for our sixth season is a testament to the rich sports culture and the rapid development of the basketball ecosystem in these countries,”
Fall stated. He continued, expressing his optimism for the upcoming season:
“The BAL continues to inspire fans across the continent and foster the emergence of African talent and their international recognition. We look forward to welcoming fans to the BAL games in these three markets and sharing with them the incredible competition and energy that reigns on and off the field as soon as the season kicks off.”
Beyond the on-court action, the BAL is also reaffirming its commitment to its impactful socio-educational programs. These initiatives will continue in the three host countries, as well as in Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt. the program includes clinics for young players, coaches, and referees across the continent, alongside the AL4HER initiative, all integral components of the BAL’s sixth season.
