The East Africa Cup is back in Nairobi for its second edition, marking a significant step in regional basketball development. With five top clubs from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda competing, organizers are already eyeing expansion, potentially adding more teams and youth categories in future editions. The absence of defending champions Remesha from Burundi has opened the field for a new winner.
Meanwhile, the continental picture is shifting. Sources suggest the NBA and FIBA are in talks to launch a development league modeled after the NBA G League. This feeder system would prepare African clubs for a revamped Basketball Africa League (BAL) format, which is currently under review. The move could reshape the Road to BAL qualification process and offer more structured support for emerging teams.
For East African clubs, the dual developments present both opportunity and uncertainty. While the East Africa Cup provides immediate exposure, the proposed league could offer long-term pathways to continental competition. With the BAL evolving, East Africa is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s basketball future.
