Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers have been crowned champions of the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) after edging Angola’s Petro de Luanda 90-88 in a thrilling final at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
The victory marks a historic milestone as the Tigers become the first Rwandan team to win the BAL Championship.
The final, which was broadcast to fans across 214 countries and territories, capped a record-breaking season for the league.
The 2026 BAL campaign recorded unprecedented growth, with more than 110,000 fans attending games across the season, including record crowds during the group phase in South Africa and Morocco.
The league also generated over 1.1 billion social media views and enjoyed support from a record 22 marketing, merchandising and institutional partners.
Following the championship game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented the championship trophy to the Tigers. Tigers guard Craig Randall II was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, receiving The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.
Randall enjoyed a sensational season, averaging 36.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. He also set a new BAL scoring record when he posted 54 points against Tanzania’s Dar City on April 4.
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The Tigers finished with a 6-2 record during the Kalahari Conference and Playoffs, overcoming Morocco’s FUS Rabat in the quarterfinals and Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semifinals before defeating Petro de Luanda in the final. Libya’s Al Ahly Ly secured third place after beating Al Ahly 106-98.
Several high-profile basketball figures attended the BAL Playoffs and Finals, including NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, Dallas Mavericks President Masai Ujiri, and BAL ambassadors Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Ian Mahinmi and Chiney Ogwumike.
Meanwhile, BAL announced the winners of its major individual awards for the 2026 season, recognising outstanding performances on and off the court.
RSSB Tigers head coach, Henry Mwinuka, was named the 2026 BAL Coach of the Year after leading the Rwandan side to a first-place finish in the Kalahari Conference and subsequently guiding them to their maiden BAL championship title.
In the Defensive Player of the Year category, RSSB Tigers centre Mangok Mathiang claimed The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy following a dominant season. Mathiang averaged 16 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, playing a pivotal role in helping the Tigers finish with a 7-2 record en route to the championship.
Libya’s Al Ahly Ly guard Mohamed Sadi was honoured with the Sportsmanship Award, receiving The Manute Bol Trophy for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship, respect and camaraderie throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Ariel Koranga, a forward for Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder, received the 2026 BAL Ubuntu Trophy, presented by the Qatar Foundation, for his impactful community work beyond basketball.
Koranga was recognised for using the sport as a tool to empower young women across Kenya through a programme that combines basketball training with mentorship, education, life-skills development and mental health support.
According to the BAL, the initiative has reached more than 300 athletes, including participants from underserved communities.
