NBL-Africa is a premier international basketball development and exposure league dedicated to elevating the game across the African continent. As the official partner league of the National Basketball League-United States, NBL-Africa serves as a direct pipeline for elite talent to access college, professional, and international basketball opportunities.
Launching in May 2027, NBL-Africa will feature 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, representing four foundational countries:
- South Africa
- Zibabwe
- Botswana
- Namibia
With additional expansion markets already planned, NBL-Africa is positioned to become one of the most impactful basketball platforms on the continent.
NBL Africa: THE EXPOSURE LEAGUE
Mission Statement:
“To provide a world-class basketball platform that develops, exposes, and elevates African talent by connecting players to college, professional, and international opportunities through elite competition, global partnerships, and media visibility.”
Why NBL-Africa?
The Purpose:
NBL-Africa was created with a clear vision:
- To bridge the gap between African talent and global basketball opportunities
- To create a structured, professional environment for athletes ages 16+
- To deliver verified statistics, game film, and exposure to scouts worldwide
- To empower local communities through sports, education, and economic impact
- To establish Africa as a global powerhouse in basketball development.
OUR GOALS
Develop the #1 exposure league in Africa for both men and women Provide direct pathways to: U.S. college basketball programs Professional leagues worldwide NBL-United States NBL-Caribbean Build long-term partnerships with: Coaches and academies Media networks and broadcasters Corporate sponsors and global brands Expand into additional African countries beginning in 2027 and beyond Deliver high-level competition under FIBA international standards
LEAGUE STRUCTURE
- Season Dates: May 28, 2027 – August 29, 2027
- Format: 24-game regular season + playoffs
- Divisions: Men’s and Women’s leagues
- Rules: Official FIBA international rules
- Roster Size: 10–12 players per team
- Player Composition (Per Team)
- 3 United States players
- 7 Local (in-country) players
- Up to 2 Continental African players
This structure ensures local development while maintaining international competition standards.
WHO QUALIFIES
NBL-Africa is open to:
- Male and female athletes ages 16 and up
- High school prospects seeking exposure
- College-level athletes pursuing advancement
- Unsigned and professional players seeking opportunities
- International players looking to compete in Africa
Players must demonstrate:
- Competitive skill level
- Commitment to development
- Professional conduct on and off the court
PATHWAY TO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
NBL-Africa is more than a league — it is a gateway to the world.
Through its partnership with the National Basketball League-United States and NBL-Caribbean, players gain access to:
- U.S. exposure opportunities
- International contracts
- Verified player profiles and scouting reports
- Film distribution to coaches, agents, and organizations
This makes NBL-Africa one of the few leagues offering a direct, structured path from Africa to the global stage.
MEDIA & BROADCASTING
All NBL-Africa games will be broadcast live on New Era Sports TV, the official media partner of NBL-Africa and NBL-US.
Coverage includes:
- Live game broadcasts
- Player interviews and features
- Highlight packages
- Documentary-style content
This ensures every athlete receives maximum visibility on a global platform.
FOR COACHES, PARTNERS & SPONSORS
NBL-Africa provides a unique opportunity to engage with one of the fastest-growing basketball markets in the world.
- Coaches & Academies
- Access to elite talent
- Integration into an international system
- Opportunities to develop and recruit players
- Media Partners
- Premium basketball content
- Expanding African sports audience Year-round programming opportunities
- Sponsors
- Brand visibility across multiple countries
- Community impact initiatives
- Direct engagement with youth and emerging markets
- Integration with international basketball platforms
POWERED BY NEW ERA SPORTS MANAGEMENT
NBL-Africa is proudly brought to you by New Era Sports Management, a global leader in basketball development, media, and international league operations.
With a proven track record through:
- NBL-United States
- NBL-Caribbean
- International expansion initiatives
- New Era Sports Management continues to redefine the global basketball landscape.
THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN BASKETBALL STARTS HERE
NBL-Africa is not just a league — it is a movement.
A movement to:
- Elevate African talent
- Create real opportunities
- Build a sustainable basketball ecosystem
- Inspire the next generation
- Welcome to NBL-Africa.
- Where talent meets opportunity.