BAL Returns To Pretoria

Pretoria is once again at the centre of African basketball as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 6 makes its return to the capital.

Last year’s BAL playoffs and finals were nothing short of spectacular. The city came alive as the world’s eyes turned to the SunBet Arena at Time Square, where fierce competition produced edge-of-your-seat basketball and a thrilling championship showdown. Season 5 ended with Al Ahli Tripoli being crowned BAL champions, defeating Petro de Luanda in the final and making history as the first Libyan team to win the title.

From 27 March to 5 April 2026, the action will once again unfold at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, where the Kalahari Conference group games will bring some of the continent’s top clubs together under one roof. Expect high-intensity matchups, packed stands and an atmosphere that feels more like a cultural festival than just a sporting event.

But BAL in Pretoria is about more than what happens between the lines. Last season was a true celebration of sport and culture. The arena was packed with celebrities, influencers and athletes courtside, while halftime shows transformed game nights into full-scale concerts. Performers like Cassper Nyovest brought explosive energy to the stage, alongside other major South African acts who elevated the experience far beyond basketball.

Tickets for the Pretoria games are available via Ticketmaster, with prices starting from around R75 and premium courtside options going up to approximately R2,500 depending on seating and match selection. With the momentum from last year’s sold-out crowds, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early.

As BAL Season 6 tips off, Pretoria once again becomes a hub where elite African basketball, music, fashion and culture collide, proving that BAL is not just a league, but a movement.