Rabat – In a high-profile conference marking the start of the tournament’s sixth season today in Rabat, the executive leadership of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), NBA Africa, FIBA, and the Royal Moroccan Basketball Federation (FRMBB), officially tipped off the 2026 Sahara Conference.
Returning to Morocco for a second consecutive year, the league pointed to the “Target Morocco” initiative as a testament to the country’s pivotal role in global sports development.
This partnership shows the league’s broader mission to showcase African talent while driving significant economic and cultural impact within the region.
The BAL is dedicated to using basketball as a strategic tool for socio-economic growth and community empowerment across the continent. By connecting young athletes with global icons like Joakim Noah, the league aims to provide tangible examples of success that inspire the next generation on and off the court.
The BAL’s President Amadou Gallo Fall described Morocco as a premier destination for continental basketball, citing that the North African country’s decade-long history in successfully hosting diverse club competitions builds on the success of the previous season.
“We are deeply committed to exposing our youth to role models and demonstrating how basketball serves as a lever for community and socio-economic development. This aligns with our economic impact and the ongoing influence of ambassadors like Joakim Noah – to serve as a true representative for African basketball.” he said
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa also described Morocco as a key market with “enormous potential,” as the NBA and BAL reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their presence in the North African country.
The goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where professional basketball acts as a driver for both athletic excellence and commercial growth across the continent.
“We see enormous potential to continue growing basketball, the NBA, and the BAL across the continent, including right here in Morocco. This is why we are continuing to explore new financial models that can support sustainable, long-term development in Africa.” she said.
The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is described as more than a league; it is a comprehensive developmental ecosystem, integrating youth academies, referee training, and coach certification programmes.
The tournament will kick off this evening with a double-header, showcasing a highly anticipated rematch between Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Côte d’Ivoire’s JCA Kings.
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