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By JOE APU
The Basketball Africa League and Qatar Foundation have announced a multiyear collaboration aimed at expanding basketball development and social impact initiatives across Africa.
The partnership makes Qatar Foundation the BAL’s first Official Community Partner, with the collaboration focused on supporting youth development, gender inclusion, and community empowerment through basketball.
Facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments, the partnership will support several BAL social impact initiatives, including court renovations under NBA Africa’s commitment to build 1,000 basketball courts across Africa.
The collaboration will also strengthen BAL4HER, the league’s platform dedicated to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women within the African sports ecosystem.
As part of the agreement, Qatar Foundation will become the Presenting Partner of the BAL Ubuntu Trophy, awarded annually to a player who has made a significant impact in the local community during the BAL season. The organization’s logo will also appear on the back of all BAL game uniforms.
Speaking on the partnership, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, described sports as a powerful tool for social transformation and community development.
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She noted that the foundation remains committed to making sports accessible, inclusive, and impactful, particularly for women and young people.
BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall said the partnership aligns with the league’s mission of positively impacting communities across Africa through basketball.
“This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent,” Fall said.
Beginning this season, Qatar Foundation will support BAL4HER Power Hours in every BAL host city. The initiative connects young women pursuing careers in sports with top executives and industry professionals through networking sessions, mentorship, and immersive learning opportunities.
The partnership further strengthens Qatar Foundation’s broader efforts in using sports as a platform for inclusion, empowerment, and long-term community development across Africa and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the 2026 BAL season continues with eight teams qualifying for the playoffs scheduled to hold from May 22–31 at BK Arena in Kigali.
Qualified teams include Petro de Luanda, Al Ahly, RSSB Tigers, Club Africain, Al Ahly Ly, FUS Rabat, ASC Ville de Dakar and Dar City.
