The Basketball Africa League today launched it’s logo ahead of the start of the league in Kigali, Rwanda.

Amadou Gallo Fall - BAL President made the announcement prior to the BAL qualifier game at the Kigali Arena, Rwanda in the presence of Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Rwanda Minister of Sport Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, FIBA Africa and BAL Board President Anibal Manave, FIBA Africa Executive Director Alphonse Bilé, two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng, and former NBA player Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria). 

The BAL logo is inspired by the NBA and FIBA’s commitment to establishing the BAL as a world-class professional league that champions inclusion and youth development, provide an entertaining product for fans of all ages, and drives economic growth across the continent.

The logo’s colours convey multiple meanings. The red and royal blue connect it back to the NBA, while also symbolizing love, energy, confidence and strength. The yellow and green speak to Africa’s optimism, joy and wisdom while celebrating health, harmony and environment.

The shape of the logo and the use of a player silhouette connect to the visual structure of the NBA’s family of logos, which includes the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League. The use of a player taking a jump shot also speaks to one of the most fundamental plays in the game of basketball, a showcase of the talent and skill that will be on display when the inaugural BAL season tips off in March. 

“This unique logo reflects the exciting and dynamic nature of our game, symbolizes the richness, diversity and authenticity of our continent, and represents African basketball on the world stage,” said Fall. “This new logo will not only become synonymous with our league, but also with the values and aspirations that the BAL brand will promote and inspire.” 

The inaugural BAL regular season will take place in Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Rabat (Morocco) and Monastir (Tunisia). Kigali (Rwanda) will host the first-ever BAL Finals. NIKE and Jordan Brand will be the exclusive on-court outfitter of the new professional league.  

The first BAL Combine, a two-day scouting event featuring 50 aspiring players from Africa, the U.S. and around the world, was held earlier this month at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Training Center - the official practice facility of the Brooklyn Nets - in Brooklyn, New York.

FIBA and the NBA also plan to dedicate financial support and resources toward the continued development of Africa’s basketball ecosystem, including training for players, coaches and referees, and infrastructure investment.

An exciting time for basketball across Africa and today marks the first step towards a busy couple of months ahead for the BAL team along with the NBA HQ.

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