BAL 2026: Angola Secures Hosting Rights

BAL 2026: Angola Secures Hosting Rights

Sampson Adedeji

Angola has been confirmed as the host nation for the entire 2026 season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), following approval from Angolan President João Lourenço, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision marks a major milestone for the Southern African nation, which continues to strengthen its status as a powerhouse in African basketball. 

Angola are the reigning continental champions, having secured their 12th AfroBasket title after a dominant 70–43 victory over Mali in the 2025 final.

In a related development, the NBA has announced a significant evolution of the BAL structure.

 From the 2026 season, the league will transition into a permanent 12-team competition, with an estimated entry fee of $50 million. 

Since its launch in 2021, the BAL has generated more than $250 million in economic impact across Africa, underlining its growing influence on the continent’s sports economy.

Angola’s selection as host represents a shift from recent seasons, during which the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, staged the majority of BAL games. 

The move is expected to further boost basketball development, infrastructure, and fan engagement in Angola while reinforcing the country’s central role in African basketball.

The 2026 BAL season is anticipated to benefit from Angola’s rich basketball heritage and strong government backing, setting the stage for another landmark chapter in the league’s rapid growth.