The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Qatar Foundation have announced a multiyear collaboration, making Qatar Foundation the BAL's first Official Community Partner. The partnership was announced this week and is facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments.
Scope of the Collaboration
Qatar Foundation is supporting the BAL's social impact programming and efforts to increase basketball accessibility across Africa. This includes court renovations under NBA Africa's broader commitment to build 1,000 courts on the continent, as well as BAL4HER – the league's platform for advancing gender equality in African sports.
As part of the collaboration, Qatar Foundation will serve as Presenting Partner of the BAL's Ubuntu Trophy, awarded annually to a player making a community impact. The Qatar Foundation logo will also appear on the back of all BAL game uniforms.
Statements from Leaders
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, said: “At Qatar Foundation, we believe that the true strength of a nation lies in the wellbeing and potential of its people. We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change. It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. It brings people together, creating bonds across backgrounds and building communities around shared purpose. Our vision is to harness this power of sport for good, ensuring that it is accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of all. We are committed to creating environments where participation is safe, welcoming and inspiring, and where the values of teamwork, discipline and leadership are nurtured.”
BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall added: “Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round. This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent.”
BAL4HER Power Hours
Starting this season, Qatar Foundation is supporting BAL4HER Power Hours in each BAL host city. These events connect young women pursuing sports careers with leading executives and practitioners through structured conversations, networking, and immersive programming, creating a platform for visibility and professional advancement in African sports.
Broader Impact
The collaboration builds on Qatar Foundation's work in harnessing sport for social development alongside Qatar Sports Investments. Qatar Foundation leads sport-for-development programs in Africa that prioritize agency, cultural grounding, safeguarding, and community participation, with a focus on enabling women and girls in sports.
The 2026 BAL season features 12 top club teams from 12 African countries playing 42 games across the Kalahari Conference (March 27 – April 5 in Pretoria, South Africa), the Sahara Conference (April 24 – May 3 in Rabat, Morocco), and the Playoffs and Finals (May 22 – 31 in Kigali, Rwanda).
