The multi-year collaboration will use basketball to open up development and empowerment opportunities in African communities.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation and the Basketball Africa League have launched a multi-year collaboration that aims to make basketball more accessible to African communities — harnessing the power of sport to improve societies, and lives.
The collaboration — facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments — makes Qatar Foundation (QF) the first Official Community Partner of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and was unveiled as the 2026 edition of the league tipped off in South Africa.
QF will support BAL’s social programmes and efforts to open up opportunities to play and benefit from basketball to more people in Africa, including through the renovation of courts as part of NBA Africa’s commitment to building 1,000 courts across the continent and BAL4Her, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in African sport.
Commenting on the partnership with Basketball Africa League, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani said: “At Qatar Foundation, we believe that the true strength of a nation lies in the wellbeing and potential of its people. We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change. It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. It brings people together, creating bonds across backgrounds and building communities around shared purpose.
“Our vision is to harness this power of sport for good, ensuring that it is accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of all. We are committed to creating environments where participation is safe, welcoming, and inspiring, and where the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership are nurtured.”
QF will also be the Presenting Partner of BAL’s Ubuntu Trophy, awarded annually to a player in the league who has made a positive impact on their local community, with QF’s Sidra tree logo featuring on all BAL team uniforms. The collaboration reflects the commitment of QF and Qatar to leveraging sport for social impact, development, and empowerment within the nation and beyond.
BAL President, Amadou Gallo Fall said: “Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round.
“This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent.”
Beginning from this season of the league, QF will support BAL4Her Power Hours in each BAL host city, which will connect young women pursuing careers in the sports industry with leading executives and practitioners through structured conversations, networking and immersive programming – creating a platform for visibility, relationship-building and professional advancement within the African sports ecosystem.
