The African Basketball League was a men's private professional basketball league in Africa established with the vision of creating opportunities in the sports industry by capturing the rich entertainment culture of Africans to promote sports tourism. The objectives of the league are to create wealth and employment; develop intra-Africa tourism and integration; and foster internal growth and development. This will be achieved through the development of an ecosystem that will support the creation of viable and valuable basketball franchises. In May 2016, Abidjan Ramblers defeated Lagos Warriors to become the inaugural winners of the league. The league was intended to run simultaneously with other national leagues in Africa, with the CEO, Ugo Udeze stating that approval was gotten from FIBA Africa before commencement of the league. In March 2016, Nigeria Basketball Federation declared it illegal and expelled two Lagos teams, who previously played in the Nigerian Premier League from returning to the legitimate Nigerian basketball league. FIBA Africa also corroborated the stance by the Nigerian body, explaining that it never gave such approval for the league.
History
The ABL was launched on Wednesday December 16, 2015 at the Lagos Boat Club, Ikoyi Lagos. The official presentation of the league was made at the launch including the unveiling of the participating clubs, the introduction of the Management Board and the announcement of the league partners. The inaugural season began on Friday March 4, 2016.
Lagos Islanders Basketball Club is a Lagos-based basketball club founded in 1984. The team plays professional basketball in Lagos Nigeria. The franchise is co-owned by Sound Sultan since 2014.
Stallions
Stallions are owned by Union Bank Plc, Nigeria. They are based in Lagos and they play in the premier basketball league.
Dakar Rapids
Dakar Rapids is a Senegalese basketball team based in country capital Dakar, Senegal.
Lagos Warriors
Lagos Warriors is the professional basketball team of the Dodan Warriors Basketball Programme. The team plays professional basketball in Lagos, Nigeria.
Libreville Izobe
Izobe Basketball Club is an elite basketball club based in Libreville, the capital and largest city of the West-Central African country – Gabon.
