Kagame holds talks with NBA leadership ahead of BAL playoffs in Kigali
President Paul Kagame met NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum on 16 February to discuss Rwanda’s partnership with the league, youth development across Africa and preparations for the sixth Basketball Africa League season, which will culminate in playoffs in Kigali from 22–31 May, according to the president’s office.
Rwanda’s ties with the NBA have expanded since Visit Rwanda became a founding host partner of BAL in 2019. Kigali’s BK Arena has hosted multiple BAL seasons, including the inaugural 2021 edition, drawing international attention and supporting sports tourism. In 2025, Visit Rwanda signed a multi-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers as official tourism partner and jersey patch sponsor – the first agreement of its kind between an African tourism brand and an NBA franchise.
Source: The New Times
