The Basketball Africa League (BAL) will be opening the epic sixth season at SunBet Arena in Pretoria from 27 March to 5 April 2026. Fans get to catch their favourite African teams go head-to-head for a chance at the finals. Ticket sales are now open. Here’s what you need to know.
More about the Basketball Africa League
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is a professional basketball league which launched in 2020. It was established through a partnership between the NBA and FIBA, and BAL is the first NBA-affiliated league outside North America. It features top clubs from across Africa, competing to crown the continent’s best.
Since its inception, the BAL has significantly boosted basketball’s popularity in Africa. It has created opportunities for players, coaches and fans. Young talent now sees a clearer path to professional success. The league also supports infrastructure and youth development.
In 2026, the BAL enters its sixth season, showcasing elite competition and expanded reach. This milestone marks growing success and a stronger foundation for African basketball’s future.
All twelve club teams will be competing for their chance at reaching the final and claiming the coveted BAL Championship. While the season opens in Pretoria, the Playoffs and Finals will take place from 22 to 31 May 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.
How it works
This season, the 12 teams are divided into two conferences of six teams each. Each conference will play a 15-game group phase during which each team faces the other five teams in its conference once. The Kalahari Conference group phase takes place from 27 March to 5 April in Pretoria.
The Sahara Conference group phase takes place from 24 April to 3 May at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Eight teams from across the two conferences will qualify for the Playoffs in Kigali from 22 to 31 May.
With Johannesburg Giants representing South Africa in the Basketball Africa League, South Africans can purchase a Home Package, giving them access to all home games being played this season. Home games will be played on:
- Friday, 27 March at 4pm
- Sunday, 29 March at 3pm
- Wednesday, 1 April at 4pm
- Saturday, 4 April at 3pm
- Sunday, 5 April and 3pm
How to book tickets to the Basketball Africa League Opening Games
Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at the arena.
Cost: From R75pp to R2000pp, per game. Home Team Packages start from R300pp to R3200pp book via Ticketmaster
When: Running from 27 March to 5 April 2026, various times
Where: Sunbet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Website: bal.nba.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @theBAL
Instagram: @thebal
