The National Basketball Association (NBA) has excluded Rwanda’s military-backed basketball team, Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR), from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) following sanctions imposed on the country by the United States.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum disclosed that the decision was linked to restrictions placed on Rwanda’s military in March over its alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The explanation followed concerns raised by two American senators, Jeffrey Merkley and Marsha Blackburn, who urged the organisation to reconsider its relationship with Rwanda.
In a letter dated October 23, the lawmakers accused the NBA of potentially supporting human rights violations through its commercial arrangements with the Rwandan government.
They demanded clarification on the league’s position by November 2.
The senators also questioned how the association could maintain its partnership with Kigali while promoting principles of accountability and justice.
According to ESPN, Tatum confirmed that APR had been withdrawn from the competition and would remain ineligible for as long as the American restrictions remained effective.
Washington has additionally targeted Rwanda’s Defence Ministry over alleged assistance to the M23 insurgent movement operating in DR Congo.
Kigali has consistently rejected accusations of supporting the armed group.
APR, one of Rwanda’s leading basketball sides, featured in the continental tournament in 2024 and 2025, finishing third during its last appearance. The RSSB Tigers took its place in the 2026 edition.
The BAL, jointly established by the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), brings together 12 professional clubs from different African countries.
Rwanda remains a commercial partner of the competition and pays to stage its championship finals at the 10,000-capacity BK Arena in Kigali.
The country has hosted nearly all the tournament’s decisive fixtures since its launch in 2021.
The NBA reportedly earns millions of dollars annually through its commercial and promotional arrangements with Rwanda.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has repeatedly criticised Kigali’s international sporting partnerships, including agreements involving European football clubs and Formula One, arguing that such arrangements improve Rwanda’s international reputation despite the continuing violence in its eastern region.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong