The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs and Finals are set to electrify Pretoria from 6 to 14 June.
A star-studded lineup of South African musical talent is taking centre stage during halftime shows at the SunBet Arena.
THE BAL PLAYOFFS
This marks the first time the BAL playoffs and finals will be hosted in South Africa. This is a milestone that promises to blend thrilling basketball action with vibrant cultural celebrations.
Award-winning hip hop sensation Cassper Nyovest will ignite the opening night on 6 June.
He will perform during the seeding game between Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), led by former NBA player Jaylen Adams, and Al Ittihad (Egypt). They will be led by ex-NBA player George King according to the NBA.
CASSPER AND OTHER TALENTS TO PERFORM
Cassper’s high-energy show is expected to set the tone for the entire tournament.
Other top South African artists will light up the stage throughout the playoffs. Ch’cco, Aymos, Blxckie, Bassie, Maglera Doe Boy, and Focalistic will all perform during halftime.
This ensures that every game is a feast for both basketball and music lovers. Blxckie will perform on 7 June during the US Monastir vs Rivers Hoopers game.
Aymos will take the stage during the second semifinal on 11 June.
THE FINALS
The finals on 14 June will feature Maglera Doe Boy and Focalistic, promising a grand closing celebration.
BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall expressed excitement about this new chapter. “The league has seen tremendous growth over the first four seasons.
Hosting the playoffs and finals in Pretoria will build on that momentum and further showcase the level of talent and passion for basketball in Africa.”
He emphasised how the event will be a celebration of African excellence on and off the court. The BAL Fan Zone at SunBet Arena will offer a lively atmosphere beyond the games.
THE BAL SEASON
Fans can enjoy official BAL merchandise, delicious food and drinks, DJ performances, and interactive entertainment. This will create a full-day experience for attendees.
The 2025 BAL season features 12 club teams from across Africa, including South Africa’s own Made by Basketball (MBB). Sam Vincent, the 1986 NBA champion, coaches the MBB team.
The playoffs will showcase the continent’s best, with teams such as Al Ittihad (Egypt), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), US Monastir (Tunisia), and Petro de Luanda (Angola) competing for the title.
CULTURE, MUSIC, AND BASKETBALL
For South African fans, this is a celebration of culture, music, and basketball coming home.
As Cassper Nyovest put it, “Bringing my music to the BAL playoffs in Pretoria feels like a full-circle moment. It’s where sport meets culture, and I can’t wait to share that energy with my people.”
With basketball thrills and unforgettable halftime shows, the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals promise to be a landmark event in South Africa’s sporting and entertainment calendar.
HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A BAL GAME BEFORE?
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