NBA Reveals Why APR BBC Was Removed From 2026 Basketball Africa League Over US Sanctions Against Rwanda

KIGALI, Rwanda – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has revealed that APR Basketball Club (APR BBC), a team affiliated with the Rwanda Defence Force, was withdrawn from the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) because of sanctions imposed by the United States on Rwanda’s military in March 2026.

The announcement provides the first public explanation from the NBA regarding APR BBC’s absence from the 2026 edition of the continental competition.

Earlier this year, the NBA announced that APR BBC would not participate in the 2026 BAL season, but did not publicly explain the reasons behind the decision.

In March, the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) had announced that APR BBC had taken the decision to withdraw from the competition.

However, the NBA has now clarified that the club’s withdrawal was linked to US sanctions targeting the Rwanda Defence Force.
The explanation emerged after NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum responded to two United States senators, Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn, who had written to the league requesting a review of its relationship with Rwanda, particularly its partnership involving Visit Rwanda.

In his response, Tatum explained that the NBA follows US government policy when determining where and how it conducts its international business. He also indicated that APR BBC would remain ineligible to compete in the BAL for as long as the relevant sanctions remain in effect. 

Background to the US sanctions
In March 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force, accusing it of contributing to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

The United States has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel movement, which has been involved in fighting in eastern DR Congo.
However, Rwanda has rejected the accusations, maintaining its position on the conflict and emphasising the importance of dialogue and joint efforts towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. 

APR BBC’s absence from BAL
APR BBC is one of Rwanda’s leading basketball clubs and represented the country in the Basketball Africa League in 2024 and 2025. The club finished third in the 2025 edition.
For the 2026 season, APR BBC was replaced by RSSB Tigers, another Rwandan basketball club.

The latest NBA explanation has raised further questions about the future participation of APR BBC in the continental competition, particularly whether the club could return if the US sanctions are lifted.
For now, the NBA’s position is clear: APR BBC will remain ineligible to participate in the Basketball Africa League while the sanctions remain in force