BAL Unveils “Future Pros” Program for Season 5 Ahead of 2025 Campaign

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is set to kick off the second edition of its “BAL Future Pros” program, aimed at empowering early-career professionals across Africa with hands-on experience in the sports industry. Launched last year, the initiative helps participants develop their skills, expand their networks, and gain valuable experience by working within various BAL departments.

In 2024, 22 participants were hired to support BAL operations in Senegal and Rwanda during the league’s fourth season. Following their success, five of them had their contracts extended.

The upcoming season of “BAL Future Pros” will begin with a webinar on Friday, September 20, featuring BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and NBA champion Ian Mahinmi, who will mentor the new cohort. Applications for the program’s second edition will open later in September.

In Season 5, the second cohort of BAL Future Pros will kick off on December 2, 2024, offering 14 early-career African professionals a one year work experience within various BAL departments in Senegal and other countries across Africa. Only graduates from professional or technical schools, as well as those holding a bachelor's, master's, or higher degree, with at least two years of professional experience and legal work eligibility and residency in Senegal or the relevant countries, are encouraged to apply.

The program will offer successful candidates the opportunity to join one of the BAL’s 11 operational departments and benefit from sports ecosystem workshops, project management experience, 1 on 1 leadership coaching and mentorship across marketing, social responsibility and player programs, public relations and communications, events management, logistics, business development, marketing partnerships, digital production, merchandising, travel and hospitality.

“I gained invaluable professional skills and accomplished unexpected projects. This program offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional development while evolving in a demanding environment. I highly recommend it to any young professional looking to work in sports industry and advance to the next level in their career." -  Henok Ahadji, 21-year-old from Togo, Former student-athlete at the SEED Academy – BAL Future Pro for Travel & Hospitality Department

“In addition to working in a field I’m passionate about – Basketball - in Africa, I met inspiring people I might never have encountered otherwise. BAL Future Pros program is a real opportunity to express your skills and thrive in a dynamic and culturally diverse environment." -  Matteo Diagne, 24-year-old from Senegal – BAL Future Pro for Content Department

“The commitment we have towards our BAL future pros is just as important as the one we have towards our players. Even further, I can proudly say that our initiative is unpaired, and the experience given to our BAL Future Pros is unmatched in the sports world in Africa.” – Ian Mahinmi, BAL Ambassador & BAL Future Pros Mentor

With this program, the BAL aims to nurture talent across Africa, focusing on off-court jobs opportunities.  This unique experience will foster local expertise and empower future leaders in the sports industry.  By developing professionals within the continent, the BAL contributes to building a sustainable sports ecosystem that supports long-term growth, economic opportunities, and greater global representation for African sports.

To register to attend the webinar please visit https://bit.ly/3zg2bdA

To apply for the Future Pros Program please visit https://BAL.NBA.com/