NBA Confirms Exclusion of Rwandan Army Team from Basketball Africa League

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has confirmed the exclusion of the Armée patriotique rwandaise (APR) from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) due to US sanctions imposed on the Rwandan army in March 2026. The decision was communicated by NBA Vice Commissioner Mark Tatum in a response to two US senators, according to BBC News. The APR, a prominent Rwandan basketball club, had participated in the BAL in 2024 and 2025, finishing third in 2025.

The US sanctions were imposed in response to accusations that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is supporting the M23 rebel group, active in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The US government criticizes Rwanda for contributing to instability in the region. Rwanda has rejected these accusations. The NBA's decision to exclude the APR is in line with US government policy on sanctions and human rights.

The exclusion of the APR was prompted by a letter from US Senators Jeffrey Merkley and Marsha Blackburn, who questioned the NBA's relationship with Rwanda. They expressed concerns that the partnership could be seen as improving the international image of the Rwandan government, despite allegations related to the conflict in eastern DRC. The senators asked about the compatibility of the NBA's human rights commitments with its continued cooperation with Kigali.

The APR has been replaced by the RSSB Tigers, which represented Rwanda in the 2026 BAL edition. Despite the exclusion of the APR, the NBA maintains its partnership with Rwanda, which continues to host major BAL games, including the finals and playoffs, at the BK Arena in Kigali. The partnership and marketing agreements between the NBA and Rwandan authorities are reportedly worth several million dollars per year.

The NBA's decision to exclude the APR is a significant development in the BAL, which features top African basketball teams. The APR was a strong competitor in the league, and its exclusion creates an opportunity for other teams to fill the gap. The RSSB Tigers, which replaced the APR, will face stiff competition from other teams in the BAL.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been a longstanding issue, with various rebel groups vying for control. The M23 rebel group has been accused of committing human rights abuses, and the Rwandan government's alleged support for the group has strained relations with the international community. The US sanctions on the Rwandan army are part of a broader effort to pressure Rwanda to cease its support for the M23.

The exclusion of the APR from the BAL highlights the complexities of sports and politics. The NBA's decision to exclude the team is a reflection of the US government's stance on human rights and sanctions. The development also underscores the challenges faced by sports organizations in navigating complex geopolitical issues. The BAL will continue to feature top African teams, with the RSSB Tigers representing Rwanda in the 2026 edition.

Key points

• The NBA excluded the Armée patriotique rwandaise (APR) from the Basketball Africa League due to US sanctions imposed on the Rwandan army in March 2026.
• The US sanctions were imposed in response to accusations that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The APR was replaced by the RSSB Tigers, which represented Rwanda in the 2026 BAL edition, and the NBA maintains its partnership with Rwanda, hosting major BAL games in Kigali.