Durban, South Africa — April 13, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The NBL-Africa Board of Directors is proud to officially announce the launch of NBL-Africa, a groundbreaking professional development basketball league set to debut in July 2027. Designed to elevate basketball across the continent while creating direct global pathways, NBL-Africa will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, marking a historic step forward for the growth of the sport in Africa.
NBL-Africa will launch with 12 inaugural teams, including 6 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, strategically located in six key cities across Southern Africa:
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Durban, South Africa
- Gaborone, Botswana
- Windhoek, Namibia
- Harare, Zimbabwe
This regional structure positions the league to maximize competition, visibility, and community engagement while laying the foundation for future expansion across the continent.
A Global Partnership
NBL-Africa is proudly established in partnership with the NBL-United States, one of the premier college and professional exposure leagues in the world. This strategic partnership creates a direct pipeline for African athletes to access opportunities in the United States and internationally, while also bringing global attention and credibility to African basketball.
Through this collaboration, players will benefit from:
- International exposure
- Verified statistics and performance tracking
- Film distribution and scouting access
- Opportunities to transition into NBL-US and other professional leagues
League Structure & Competition Format
The inaugural NBL-Africa season will feature:
- Season Start: July 2027
- Format: 20-game regular season
- Divisions: Men’s and Women’s leagues
- Playoffs: Postseason championship structure following regular season
All games will be played under FIBA International rules, ensuring a globally recognized standard of play and preparation for athletes pursuing international careers.
Mission Statement
NBL-Africa’s mission is to empower African basketball talent by providing elite-level exposure, professional development, and direct pathways to collegiate and international professional opportunities.
Purpose of NBL-Africa
The purpose of NBL-Africa is to:
- Establish a high-level, structured basketball ecosystem across Africa
- Create equal opportunities for men and women athletes
- Provide direct exposure to college programs and professional organizations worldwide
- Build a bridge between African talent and global basketball markets
- Strengthen basketball communities through development, competition, and visibility
Who the League Serves
NBL-Africa is open to male and female athletes ages 16 and up, including:
- High school prospects seeking exposure
- Unsigned college players
- Postgraduate athletes
- Aspiring and current professional players
The league is specifically designed to provide college recruiting opportunities as well as professional basketball pathways, making it one of the most unique development leagues on the continent.
Statement from the NBL-Africa Board of Directors
“Today marks a defining moment for basketball across Africa. The launch of NBL-Africa represents more than just a league—it represents opportunity, access, and a global future for African athletes.
We are incredibly excited to bring a structured, high-level platform to the continent that will allow players to showcase their talent on an international stage. Through our partnership with NBL-United States, we are building a true pathway system that connects Africa to the world.
Our goal is to create lasting impact—not just for players, but for communities, coaches, and the overall basketball ecosystem. We are committed to developing talent, growing the game, and establishing Africa as a powerhouse in global basketball.
This is only the beginning, and we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to create opportunities for generations to come.”
— NBL-Africa Board of Directors
What’s Next
Additional announcements will be released in the coming months, including:
- Official team names and branding
- Tryout dates and locations
- The inaugural NBL-Africa Showcase
- Coaching and staff hires
- League partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
Media & Contact Information
For more information about NBL-Africa, please contact:
📧 Email: info@africanbl.com
🌐 Website: africanbl.com
📱 Instagram: @nbl_africa
📘 Facebook: NBLAfrica
About NBL-Africa
NBL-Africa is a premier basketball development and exposure league for men and women ages 16 and up. Built in partnership with NBL-United States, the league provides athletes with elite competition, global exposure, and direct pathways to college and professional basketball opportunities worldwide.