From Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 27, 2025, the BK Arena in Kigali will host the group stage games of the Nile Conference in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). This will be the first time Rwanda hosts group stage games, as it has previously only hosted the playoffs and finals.
Here are 10 key things to know about this tournament:
1. Rwanda to host Nile Conference for the first time Rwanda is known for hosting the BAL playoffs and finals since 2021, but this time it will take on a new role by hosting group stage games. The playoffs and finals will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from June 6 to 14, 2025.
2. Three teams are debuting in the tournament The Nile Conference will feature four teams: APR BBC (Rwanda), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), Made By Basketball (South Africa), and Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya). Among them, only APR has prior BAL experience.
3. APR BBC returns for a second BAL appearance APR BBC, the Rwandan military club, returns to BAL for the second time after falling short in 2024. This year, the team is aiming for a stronger performance and a deep run in the tournament.
4. APR BBC features both local and international stars The team has strengthened its roster with players like Chasson Randle, Dane Miller Jr., and Noel Obadiah—who averaged 27 points per game in the 2024 BAL. They’re joined by Malian star Aliou Diarra, a BAL veteran.
5. Al Ahli Tripoli makes its BAL debut The Libyan champions are entering BAL for the first time after winning their national league in 2024. Their lineup includes players like Jean Jacques Boissy (former REG BBC player), Jaylen Adams, and Troy Baxter Jr.
6. MBB (South Africa) is a rising force Made By Basketball gained promotion to South Africa’s top league just last year and went on to win the national title. They feature BAL-experienced players like Lebesa Selepe, Pieter Prinsloo, and Nathi Sibanyoni—who made history with 25 rebounds in a single game in Kigali last year.
7. Nairobi City Thunder to represent Kenya for the first time in BAL Founded in 1997 as NSSF Stars and renamed in 2010, Nairobi City Thunder is the first Kenyan club to participate in BAL. Their standout player is Evans Ganapamo, making his fourth BAL appearance with a third different team.
8. Coaching staff with notable experience MBB is coached by former NBA player and coach Sam Vincent, who previously led national teams like Nigeria. Nairobi City Thunder is coached by American Robert Frank.
9. Players from 11 countries across continents This year’s Nile Conference brings together 52 players from 11 countries across multiple continents, highlighting BAL’s growing international appeal.
10. Top two teams will advance to the playoffs The top two teams in the group will qualify directly for the BAL playoffs, starting with the quarterfinals in Johannesburg in June 2025.
This tournament offers basketball fans an exciting opportunity to witness high-level competition and talent from across Africa and beyond, all from the vibrant BK Arena in Kigali.
