BAL abstract logo confirms NBA ambition

Africa basketball lovers are about to have it really hot going by the desires and aspirations of the Basketball Africa League.

Its president, Amadou Gallo Fall, reiterated its mission of achieving America’s NBA standards with the unveiling, along with other dignitaries that included Rwanda President Paul Kagame and former America NBA players Olumide Oyedeji and Luol Deng, of BAL’s exciting abstract logo in Kigali, Rwanda on December 19.

The logo, which is excitingly abstract, and is the first image that symbolizes BAL when it comes to mind, is proof with its unique design that BAL isn’t just about playing second fiddle to the NBA but actually about getting to its level and even surpassing it.

The logo features the silhouette of a basketball player taking a jump shot on a vibrant green, yellow, red and royal blue background, celebrates the Pan-African footprint of the league, Africa’s diversity and the continent’s rich basketball heritage.

It’s inspired by the NBA and FIBA’s commitment to establishing BAL as a world-class professional league that champions inclusion and youth development, provides an entertaining product for fans of all ages, and drives economic growth across the continent.

The logo’s colors convey multiple meanings. The red and royal blue connect it back to the NBA while also symbolizing love, energy, confidence and strength. The yellow and green speak to Africa’s optimism, joy and wisdom while celebrating health, harmony and the environment.

The shape of the logo and the use of a player silhouette connect to the visual structure of the NBA’s family of logos which include the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League. The use of a player taking a jump shot also speaks to one of the most fundamental plays in the game of basketball, a showcase of the talent and skill that will be on display when the inaugural BAL season tips off in March.

“This unique logo reflects the exciting and dynamic nature of our game, symbolizes the richness, diversity and authenticity of our continent and represents African basketball on the world stage,” Fall explained. “It will not only become synonymous with our league, but also with the values and aspirations that the BAL brand will promote and inspire.”

BAL is a new professional league featuring 12 Africa clubs and scheduled to begin play in March 2020. 

Its inaugural regular season will take place in Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Rabat (Morocco) and Monastir (Tunisia). Kigali will host the first-ever finals. NIKE and Jordan Brand will be the exclusive on-court outfitter.