BAL to Unveil Refurbished Court in Owerri, Five Others Across Africa

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced the refurbishment of six basketball courts in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Senegal as part of NBA Africa’s commitment to build or renovate 1,000 courts across the continent over the next decade.

The courts, which are expected to benefit thousands of young people and community members annually, are being refurbished in partnership with PETROSEN, Qatar Foundation, Ville de Dakar, Wave Côte d’Ivoire and Woodside Energy.

Nigeria will benefit from the initiative with a refurbished court in Owerri, Imo State, scheduled for unveiling in December in collaboration with Qatar Foundation.

The Owerri project will mark the second BAL4HER court in Africa and will be supported by two-time WNBA All-Star and BAL Ambassador Chiney Ogwumike and her nonprofit organisation, Queens of the Continent.

The court currently serves more than 300 participants across Imo State. Its refurbishment includes renovated changing rooms and bathrooms, improved lighting and enhanced drainage, transforming the facility into a dedicated venue for organised sport, youth development and community engagement.

BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall said the projects underline the league’s commitment to making basketball more accessible to young people across Africa.

‘These newly refurbished courts reflect our commitment to investing in communities and making the game more accessible to young people across Africa,’ Fall said.

‘Together with our partners, we are creating spaces where the next generation of African basketball players, fans, and changemakers can grow, connect and thrive.’

The first two courts were unveiled in Saint-Louis, Senegal, on September 30 and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on October 3.

The six refurbishments form part of NBA Africa’s broader commitment to build or renovate 1,000 basketball courts across Africa over the next decade.