WHY RWANDA’S ARMY BASKETBALL TEAM WAS REMOVED FROM AFRICAN LEAGUE — NBA

The NBA says US sanctions against Rwanda’s military prompted the removal of army-backed club Armée Patriotique Rwandaise from the 2026 Basketball Africa League.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said APR would remain excluded for as long as the sanctions were in place.

The explanation followed questions from US senators Jeffrey Merkley and Marsha Blackburn about the NBA’s continued partnership with Rwanda.

Washington imposed sanctions on the Rwandan military in March 2026 over allegations that it supported the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the rebels.

APR competed in the Basketball Africa League in 2024 and 2025, finishing third in its second appearance. RSSB Tigers replaced the club in the 2026 competition.

The senators also criticised the NBA’s wider relationship with Rwanda, arguing that sports partnerships could help improve the government’s international image despite human rights concerns.

Rwanda remains a partner of the league and hosts its finals at the 10,000-capacity BK Arena in Kigali.

The Basketball Africa League, established jointly by the NBA and FIBA, features 12 clubs from across the continent.

APR’s exclusion therefore affects the army-backed club, while Rwanda’s broader partnership with the competition continues.