The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is set to return to screens across French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa on CANAL+SPORT 1, beginning March 27, 2026. The sixth season of the league promises a showcase of top African basketball talent, unfolding across three host nations: South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda.
This year’s competition will feature 12 teams, strategically divided into two conferences. The Kalahari Conference group phase will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, even as the Sahara Conference will take place in Rabat, Morocco. The playoffs and the BAL 2026 Finals are scheduled for Kigali, Rwanda, from May 22nd to 31st, marking the fifth consecutive year the city will host the league’s championship round, thanks to a long-term agreement with the Rwanda Development Board. A total of 42 games will be played throughout the season.
Comprehensive Coverage on CANAL+
CANAL+ is committed to providing extensive coverage of the BAL, broadcasting 100% of the matches live on CANAL+SPORT 1. The broadcast team will feature seasoned commentators Etienne Andurand, Malick Daho, and Jacques Vandescure, offering expert analysis and insights throughout the tournament.
Beyond the live games, CANAL+ will offer in-depth analysis and highlights through several programs. “JOUR DE BAL” and “SOIR DE BAL” will provide daily updates and coverage, while “TALENTS D’AFRIQUE” (Monday evenings) and “CANAL NBA” (Friday evenings) will offer deeper dives into the league’s storylines and players. This robust programming schedule aims to immerse viewers in the excitement of the BAL.
The Road to Kigali: Conference Breakdown
The 2026 BAL season will spot teams battle for supremacy across two conferences. According to information available from Wikipedia, the Elite 16 teams are beginning to take shape.
West Division
The West Division features teams from Cape Verde, Libya, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the Central African Republic. Confirmed teams include Kriol Star (Cape Verde), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), CRB Tombouctou (Mali), JCA (Ivory Coast), Spintex Knights (Ghana), Moanda (Gabon), Modern Generation (DR Congo), and New Tech Bantou (Central African Republic). Qualification pathways included direct qualification and advancement through group play.
East Division
The East Division will showcase teams from Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia. Confirmed teams include BEAC (Cameroon), Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), Dar City (Tanzania), Namuwongo Blazers (Uganda), Johannesburg Giants (South Africa), Ferroviário da Beira (Mozambique), and Mate…
The league structure, as outlined by the BAL, is designed to identify the continent’s top basketball clubs. The winners of the BAL season will earn the right to compete in the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
CANAL+ Continues Commitment to African Sport
Following its coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations, CANAL+’s broadcast of the BAL underscores its dedication to showcasing premier African sporting events to its subscribers. The league represents a significant platform for the growth of basketball across the continent, and CANAL+’s extensive coverage aims to bring the action to a wider audience.
The BAL continues to grow in stature, attracting top talent and generating excitement among fans. The 2026 season, with its expanded reach and comprehensive broadcast coverage, is poised to be the most impactful yet. The league’s commitment to developing basketball at the grassroots level, combined with the high level of competition, makes it a compelling spectacle for sports enthusiasts across Africa and beyond.
As the season approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling competition that celebrates the passion and skill of African basketball. The journey to Kigali promises intense matchups, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of a new BAL champion.
The next key date for BAL fans is March 27th, 2026, when the Kalahari Conference group phase tips off in Pretoria, South Africa. Stay tuned to CANAL+SPORT 1 for live coverage and updates throughout the tournament.
