Basketball Africa League’s Introduction
During the NBA All-Star 2019 luncheon in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and the late Dikembe Mutombo, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and other prominent basketball figures with African connections, announced the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Growth and Success of the BAL
Almost seven years later, the BAL has evolved into a thriving league, showcasing basketball across Africa while celebrating the continent’s culture and nurturing NBA talent.
Documentary Showcasing the BAL
The full narrative of the BAL is captured in the documentary “Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League,” available on ESPN+.
Vision and Potential of the League
“What people are seeing today is a long time coming,” said BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall to Andscape. “The BAL has rapidly garnered global interest, showcasing authentic players’ journeys. The possibilities are limitless; great things can happen on the continent when we focus our expertise and resources.”
Challenges and Achievements
The documentary “Origin” chronicles the formation and launch of the NBA’s first venture to establish a league beyond North America. The BAL includes 12 top club teams competing in a caravan format and highlights the achievements of African leaders like Fall and Masai Ujiri.
Insight Into the BAL’s Impact
“Origin” documents the league’s inaugural season amidst the pandemic and features notable personalities, including former President Barack Obama and NBA star Stephen Curry. Director Richard Brown emphasized the documentary’s goal of showcasing Africa’s vibrant talent and the optimistic narratives within the continent.
Future Prospects and Talent Development
The BAL, which was initially set to begin in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic, finally kicked off its first season in May 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda. By 2026, the league is set to expand its reach with 12 clubs playing 42 games across South Africa and Morocco. The BAL has also introduced BAL Elevate, an initiative aimed at developing young talent from the NBA Academy Africa.
“Origin” articulates a vision bigger than basketball, embodying African leadership and potential, as Ujiri noted. While proud of their achievements, he emphasized that this is merely the beginning, with much more work to be done to elevate the league further.
