The National Basketball Association (NBA) has rejected a call from two US senators to suspend its partnership with Rwanda. In a letter dated November 3, 2026, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the league will continue to work with Rwanda, citing its commitment to following US government policy on international business dealings. Tatum's response comes after Senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn wrote to the NBA on October 26, 2026, expressing concerns over Rwanda's alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The senators had raised concerns about the NBA's partnership with Rwanda in light of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC and allegations of human rights abuses by the Rwandan military. They questioned whether the NBA's continued partnership with Rwanda was consistent with its stated commitment to protecting human rights. Tatum responded by stating that the NBA takes its human rights commitments seriously and that it will continue to monitor the situation.
The NBA's partnership with Rwanda includes the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which features APR Basketball Club, a team owned by the Rwandan military. The APR Basketball Club was forced to withdraw from the 2026 BAL season due to US sanctions imposed on the Rwandan military earlier this year. Tatum said the NBA has taken steps to comply with the sanctions, including the withdrawal of APR Basketball Club from the BAL.
Senators Merkley and Blackburn had previously expressed concerns about the NBA's partnership with Rwanda in 2024. In their latest letter, they noted that changes in US foreign policy require the NBA to reevaluate its partnership with Rwanda. The senators cited allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, which Rwanda has consistently denied.
The Rwandan government has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC. The government has also emphasized the need for the international community to address the root causes of the conflict. The NBA's decision to continue its partnership with Rwanda is seen as a significant development for the country's basketball community.
The partnership between the NBA and Rwanda is part of a broader effort to develop basketball in Africa. The BAL, which features teams from across the continent, is a key part of this effort. The NBA has stated that it will continue to work with Rwanda to develop basketball, despite the current challenges.
The NBA's decision to reject the senators' call to suspend its partnership with Rwanda has significant implications for the country's basketball community. The partnership is seen as an important opportunity for Rwanda to develop its basketball infrastructure and compete at the international level. The NBA has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its policies as necessary.
Key points
- The NBA has rejected a call from US senators to suspend its partnership with Rwanda, citing its commitment to following US government policy on international business dealings.
