NBA Will Sell Basketball Africa League Franchises
The league plans to transition to a permanent franchise model featuring 10 privately owned teams by 2027.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Will the Basketball Africa League successfully transition to a permanent, privately-owned franchise model by 2027?
The Basketball Africa League, co-operated by NBA Africa and FIBA, will transition to a permanent franchise model starting in 2027. The NBA has hired Moelis & Company to oversee the sale of 10 teams to private investors.
Why it matters
The shift toward private ownership follows six years of consistent growth for the league, which aims to move from a touring model to a home-and-away format. This move capitalizes on record-breaking attendance and viewership figures achieved across the continent in 2026.
In 2026, the league reached 600 million unique viewers through free over-the-air broadcasts, marking a 15% increase year-over-year. During that same period, 110,000 fans attended games held in South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda.
The players
NBA Africa
This entity is a branch of the National Basketball Association tasked with growing the game of basketball throughout the African continent.
FIBA
The International Basketball Federation is the association of national organizations which governs the rules and international competition of basketball.
Moelis & Company
This global independent investment bank provides financial advisory services to corporations, governments, and financial sponsors.
The details
The NBA expects the 10 privately owned teams to provide a stable foundation, while two additional slots will remain available for teams that qualify annually. Executives are coordinating these development efforts with African government leaders during the United Nations General Assembly.
Timeline
June 2026: Initial bids for BAL franchises were received.
September 22, 2026: United Nations General Assembly events begin.
2027: Permanent franchises are expected to begin touring.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of permanent ownership stakes represents a pivot point for the league that moves it closer to the operational structure of the North American NBA. This transition alters the competitive balance and long-term financial landscape for participating teams across the continent.
The shift to a home-and-away template will fundamentally change the competitive calendar and travel requirements for the 10 permanent franchises. Investors and stakeholders can anticipate a move toward fixed markets, which replaces the current 12-nation touring circuit format.
The takeaway
The move to privatize teams signifies the professional maturation of the league as it secures 22 commercial and institutional partners. Fans and investors should look for the 2027 season to provide a clearer indication of how permanent home-and-away markets affect regional team loyalty.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international hoops on the Basketball page.
Live Poll
Will the Basketball Africa League successfully transition to a permanent, privately-owned franchise model by 2027?
