The NBA's carefully curated image as a progressive sports league is under renewed scrutiny as its partnership with Rwanda, a nation accused of human rights abuses and war crimes, faces fresh challenges. In March 2026, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military and four senior officials for their involvement in abuses and military aggression in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Shortly after, a top team in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), co-founded by NBA Africa, abruptly withdrew from the competition due to its deep ties to the sanctioned Rwandan military.
APR's Withdrawal and Sanctions Compliance
On March 13, 2026, the BAL announced that Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club (APR) would no longer participate in the 2026 BAL season. APR, a prominent Rwandan basketball club based in Kigali, traces its origins to the 1990s Rwandan genocide and is owned and funded by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The RDF's ownership is openly stated on the team's BAL profile page. In January 2026, the RDF even hosted a luncheon for APR players and staff to celebrate their Super Cup victory.
Under U.S. Treasury sanctions, all RDF assets within American jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. entities are prohibited from transactions with the military or its affiliates. Since the BAL operates under the NBA, a U.S.-based organization, allowing a team directly tied to a sanctioned military body to compete could expose the league to serious compliance risks. While the sanctions target only the RDF and not other Rwandan government sectors, they have renewed attention on the NBA's friendly ties with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Kagame's Controversial Rule
Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda since 1994, initially earned international praise for ending the genocide but has since governed with an iron fist. His regime has been accused of severe human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, assassinations of political opponents, torture, and state-imposed censorship. In 2024, Kagame won the presidential election with over 99% of the vote, underscoring his totalitarian control. His government has also been implicated in wars in the DRC, leading to millions of deaths and ongoing atrocities by Rwandan soldiers and allied M23 militia.
NBA's Deepening Ties with Rwanda
The NBA's relationship with Rwanda began in August 2015 when top NBA coaches hosted a basketball camp in Kigali under the Giants of Africa program. The following year, Kagame attended an NBA Africa luncheon with Commissioner Adam Silver during All-Star Weekend. In 2018, he delivered a keynote speech at an NBA-hosted reception in New York City. Despite Kagame's regime's involvement in the DRC conflicts, the NBA continued to strengthen ties. When NBA Africa and FIBA launched the BAL, Rwanda secured hosting rights for the inaugural 2021 season.
By positioning Rwanda as a basketball hub, Kagame enhanced his image as a leading African figure in a popular U.S. sport. He has made regular appearances at NBA games, attended summits as a guest of honor, and made Rwanda a key player in African basketball. In December 2023, former Kagame aide Claire Akamanzi was appointed CEO of NBA Africa. In September 2025, Visit Rwanda, the official tourism brand, announced a multi-year sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers, expanding its global sports portfolio that includes deals with Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Future Risks
In February 2026, Kagame attended the NBA All-Star Game and met with top NBA officials to discuss basketball's future in Africa. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who previously defended the league's ties to Kagame, responded to criticism from U.S. senators by stating the NBA follows U.S. government guidance on where to engage in business. After APR's withdrawal, the BAL replaced it with the RSSB Tigers, owned by the Rwanda Social Security Board, which has qualified for the BAL playoffs in Kigali in May.
The NBA reiterated its compliance with U.S. foreign policy, which currently targets only Rwanda's military and a few officials. However, whether the NBA's relationship with Kagame will pose greater risks remains uncertain.
