NEW YORK (Diya TV) — NBA executives plan to meet African government officials during the United Nations General Assembly as the league advances efforts to sell permanent Basketball Africa League franchises to private investors, according to Sports Business Journal.
The NBA plans to sell as many as 10 franchises. Prospective investors from Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa submitted initial bids in June, with several offers exceeding $50 million, the publication reported.
The NBA and the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, created the BAL, which completed its sixth season this year. The league currently fields 12 teams from across Africa through domestic qualification and FIBA’s Road to BAL tournaments.
Under the proposed model, 10 privately owned teams would receive permanent places in the league. Two additional teams would continue to qualify through annual competition. The transition could begin in 2027.
Existing BAL clubs, newly created teams and basketball divisions launched by established soccer clubs could pursue permanent franchises. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum previously said the league wants investors to build long-term operations and support local arena development.
The NBA hired investment bank Moelis & Company to advise on the sales process and evaluate prospective owners and markets.
League data showed that more than 110,000 fans attended BAL games during the 2026 season in South Africa, Morocco and Rwanda. The BAL also reported more than 1.1 billion social media views and a record 22 commercial and institutional partners.
The NBA plans to discuss its franchise strategy with African officials in New York before continuing negotiations with preferred bidders, according to Sports Business Journal. Government cooperation could influence venue development and other infrastructure needed to support permanent teams.
