Rwanda's army team removed from Africa league after US sanctions, NBA says
Summary
The NBA told two U.S. senators that Rwanda’s army-funded APR basketball team was removed from the 2026 Basketball Africa League because of U.S. sanctions imposed on Rwanda’s army. The team will remain barred while the sanctions are in place, the NBA said.Key Facts
- The U.S. imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army in March over its alleged role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The U.S. also recently sanctioned Rwanda’s defence ministry over alleged support for the M23 rebel group.
- Rwanda denies backing M23.
- Democratic Senators Jeffrey Merkley and Republican Marsha Blackburn asked the NBA to explain its partnership with Rwanda in a letter dated October 23.
- NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said APR had been withdrawn from the league, according to ESPN.
- APR represented Rwanda in the league in 2024 and 2025, finishing third in 2025.
- The RSSB Tigers replaced APR in the 2026 season.
- Rwanda pays the Basketball Africa League to host its finals at Kigali’s 10,000-seat BK Arena.
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