BAL line-up complete as Dar City claim final slot

Tanzania’s Dar City have clinched the final qualification spot for the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season, completing the 12-team line-up for the expanded and highly competitive continental showpiece set to take place in South Africa.

Dar City earned their place after an impressive run in the East Division qualifiers, posting six wins in seven games; two victories at home in Dar es Salaam and five more during the Nairobi phase of the competition.

Their strong overall performance edged out CRB Tombouctou of Mali, who managed five wins in eight games in the West Division, finishing third and falling short in the wild-card consideration.

The Tanzanian side underlined their credentials on Sunday at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, defeating Mozambique’s Ferroviario de Beira 92–77 to secure third place in the East Division Elite 16.

Qualification hinged on FIBA Africa’s assessment between the third-place finishers of both divisions. With Dar City’s superior record and competitive edge, the nod went to the Tanzanian outfit, securing their maiden appearance in Africa’s premier club basketball league.

With the line-up now complete, all eyes turn to South Africa as the sixth edition of the Basketball Africa League promises heightened competition, new rivalries, and another thrilling chapter in African basketball.

Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder clinched the Road to BAL East Division title after defeating Johannesburg Giants of South Africa 94–84 in a thrilling final at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Sunday night.

For the second consecutive year, Thunder lifted the East Division Elite 16 crown in front of their passionate home supporters.

Both teams sealed qualification for the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) by virtue of reaching the final.

Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi demolished Jeuness Club d'Abidjan (JCA) of Ivory Coast 105-92 to clinch the West Division Title nine days ago in Praia, Cape Verde as the two sides secured the two West Division tickets for the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.

Centre de Reference de Basketball de Tombouctou of Mali finished third after defeating Spintex Knights of Ghana 90-64 in a third-place playoff match.

Complete List of Qualified Teams for BAL Season 6 heading to South Africa are:

1. Nairobi City Thunder (KEN)

2. Petro de Luanda (ANG)

3. APR (RWA)

4. ASC Ville de Dakar (SEN)

5. FUS Rabat (MAR)

6. Al Ahly (EGY)

7. Club Africain (TUN)

8. Lagos Legends (NIG)

9. Johannesburg Giants (RSA)

10. Al Ahly Benghazi (LIB)

11. Jeunesse Club Abidjan Kings (CIV)

12. Dar City (TAN)