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Record 15 Marketing and Merchandising Partners to Support 2026 Basketball Africa League Season

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Africa

The BAL’s sixth season will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories, including all 54 countries in Africa

DAKAR, Senegal, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ —– Five New Partners Join for Sixth BAL Season Tipping Off Today in South Africa –

 

– BAL Games Will Reach Fans in More Than 200 Countries 

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) today announced that a record 15 marketing and merchandising partners, including five new partners, will support the 2026 BAL season that tips off today at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

New partners Amazon Web Services; FLEXX; PUMA; Qatar Foundation; and South African Tourism join returning Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board and Wilson as well as Official Partners AB InBev, Afreximbank, Air Senegal, Hyundai, RwandAir, the French Embassy of Senegal, ServiceNow and Wave.

The BAL’s sixth season will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories, including all 54 countries in Africa.  Returning free-to-air and pay TV broadcast partners in Africa include Canal+ (pan-Africa), Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, RTS and 2STV (Senegal), SNRT (Morocco), TV5 Monde (pan-Africa) and ZAP TV (Angola and Mozambique).  BAL games and programming will also air on NBA TV globally, the NBA FAST Channel on leading FAST platforms including Samsung, Roku and Amazon Fire TV in the U.S., select FAST platforms in Canada and Mexico, Tencent Video and Tencent Sports in China, TSN and RDS Direct in Canada, and through livestreaming on the NBA App and NBA.com for NBA ID members.

 

 

 

“This incredible roster of new and returning partners reflects the sustained growth and momentum around the BAL and the African sports industry more broadly,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “We look forward to working with these amazing companies and organizations to engage BAL fans across the continent and around the world in new and creative ways throughout our sixth season.”

 

Below are highlights of each marketing and merchandising partners’ efforts:

 

  • AB InBev returns as the Official Beer Partner of the BAL through its Castle Lite and Budweiser brands.
  • Afreximbank will again serve as an Official Partner of the BAL4HER and BAL Future Pros programs in each host city, which provide professional development training for African youth pursuing careers in sport.
  • Air Senegal returns as Official Partner of the Sahara Conference group phase from Friday, April 24 – Sunday, May 3 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, supporting guest travel from and returning to Senegal.
  • Amazon Web Services will serve as Official Technology Provider (cloud computing, cloud AI and cloud machine learning) of the BAL.
  • FLEXX will serve as an Official Off-Court Lifestyle and Team Fanwear Supplier of the BAL.
  • Hyundai returns as the Official Car Partner of the Kalahari Conference group phase from March 27 – Sunday, April 5 in Pretoria, featuring Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Alcazar displays at the SunBet Arena and Fan Zone.
  • PUMA joins as the league’s Official Outfitter, supplying all official BAL team, fan and referee apparel, including game uniforms, warm-up gear, practice wear, accessories, and branded tops for participants in the league’s social impact and player programming.
  • Qatar Foundation will serve as an Official Community Partner of the BAL by supporting a variety of social impact and court development initiatives across all three host cities.
  • RwandAir returns as Official Airline Partner of the BAL.
  • Rwanda Development Board returns as a Foundational Partner of the BAL.
  • The French Embassy of Senegal will serve an Official Partner of the BAL School Tournament and International Basketball Day in Senegal, with more details to be announced at a later date.
  • ServiceNow will serve as Official Digital Transformation Partner of the BAL and support several networking and stakeholder engagement initiatives throughout the season.
  • South African Tourism will serve as Official Tourism Collaborator of the Kalahari Conference group phase.
  • Wave returns as an Official Marketing Partner of the BAL, Presenting Partner of the BAL4HER Elevate Camp, the BAL Rapatak Tournament, the BAL Tournoi des Quartiers Tournament, and the BAL Court Regeneration Event, and Official Partner of the BAL Business Brunch.
  • Wilson returns as a Foundational Partner and Official Game Ball Partner of the BAL.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Sports

50 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026™ The Countdown is ON!

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FIFA

On Location, appointed by FIFA as the Official Hospitality Provider of the tournament, is proud to affirm that Integral has been appointed as the Exclusive Sales Agent in Nigeria for the official hospitality programme

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –With just 50 days to go, the world stands on the brink of football’s most anticipated spectacle – the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This milestone represents more than a countdown; it signals a rare opportunity for discerning clients, corporate leaders, and high-net-worth individuals to secure privileged access to football’s biggest global event.

 

On Location, appointed by FIFA as the Official Hospitality Provider of the tournament, is proud to affirm that Integral has been appointed as the Exclusive Sales Agent in Nigeria for the official hospitality programme.

Through this exclusive mandate, Integral offers official, ticket-inclusive hospitality packages designed to elevate every moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. From premium seating and private suites to exceptional culinary experiences, world-class service, and sophisticated lounge environments, each offering is curated for those who value access, comfort, and distinction.

Whether hosting high-value clients, strengthening strategic relationships, or simply experiencing the tournament at an elite level, these hospitality experiences provide the ultimate platform to engage, entertain, and inspire.

With only 50 days remaining, availability across hospitality packages is expected to be extremely limited, with global demand already accelerating.

While there may be offers of unauthorized ticket-inclusive hospitality packages on unofficial platforms, On Location is the only official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and https://FIFAWorldCup26.Hospitality.FIFA.com/ is the only official hospitality sales page. Hospitality packages and tickets sourced from unofficial sales channels may not be valid. Authorized global sales agents are published and will be continually updated at https://FIFAWorldCup26.Hospitality.FIFA.com/.

Integral invites its distinguished clientele to act decisively – secure your official FIFA World Cup 2026™ hospitality package today and guarantee your place at the heart of the action.
Be match-ready.
Be part of history.
Moments like this won’t wait.

To reserve your preferred package, including shared lounges or private suites connect with Integral via: www.IntegralSande.com or Call/WhatsApp: +2348093677272, +2348168039329

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Integral.

 

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces Olympic champions, medallists and Olympians as Athlete Role Models for Dakar 2026

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Olympic

The IOC has announced an initial list of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, including multiple Olympic champions and medallists

DAKAR, Senegal, April 20, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Olympic Committee (IOC) (www.Olympics.com) has announced the first group of Athlete Role Models (http://apo-opa.co/3Qky50M) for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) (http://apo-opa.co/4clOeLQ), marking an important step in preparations for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent.

 

Key facts

The IOC has announced an initial list of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, including multiple Olympic champions and medallists.

The Athlete Role Models will provide mentoring and workshop training to young athletes on site during Dakar 2026.

In collaboration with the International Federations, experienced Olympians from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme have been selected as Athlete Role Models. They are:

  • Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA, judo)
  • Stéphane Badji (SEN, football)
  • Christopher Bak (USA, rowing)
  • Asunción Batista (ESP, beach handball)
  • Rémy Bedu (FRA, golf)
  • Yves Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
  • Jean-Pierre Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
  • Darcy Bourne (GBR, hockey)
  • Douglas Brose (BRA, karate)
  • Sheila Chajira (KEN, rugby sevens)
  • Doaa Elghobashy (EGY, beach volleyball)
  • Jomana Elsaiy (EGY, shooting)
  • Ruth Gbagbi (CIV, taekwondo)
  • Sonja Greinacher (GER, basketball 3×3)
  • Zohra Nora Kehli (ALG, fencing)
  • Khadija Krimi (TUN, rowing)
  • Xiaoxiao Lai (CHN, wushu)
  • Rayssa Leal (BRA, skateboarding)
  • Vincent Luis (FRA, triathlon)
  • Jamila Lunkuse (UGA, swimming)
  • Dina Meshref (EGY, table tennis)
  • Halimah Nakaayi (UGA, athletics)
  • Kaylia Nemour (ALG, artistic gymnastics)
  • Blessing Oborududu (NGR, wrestling)
  • Forrester Osei (GHA, weightlifting)
  • Ayako Rokkaku (JPN, baseball5, baseball/softball)
  • Edmond Sanka (SEN, canoe sprint, Para canoe)
  • Combe Seck (SEN, canoe sprint)
  • Richard Torrez Jr. (USA, boxing)
  • Maja Włoszczowska (POL, cycling)
  • Siwei Zheng (CHN, badminton)

The full biographies of each Athlete Role Model can be found on the Athlete365 website (http://apo-opa.co/41KHuB3).

They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal

Since the inaugural Singapore 2010 YOG, the Athlete Role Model programme has been a central component of each edition, providing the young athletes competing with a chance to learn from experienced Olympians.

The Athlete Role Models will be on the ground in Senegal to engage with competing athletes, providing support and advice around competition and taking part in educational workshops. These workshops cover topics such as career management, injury prevention and mental preparation, among many other things.

The Athlete Role Models will also attend training sessions, engage with the local community, support the athletes from the sidelines and be there to congratulate them at victory ceremonies.

Speaking about his selection as an Athlete Role Model, Chinese Olympic champion in badminton (mixed doubles) Shiwei Zheng said: “This opportunity is a powerful extension of my life’s work… It allows me to show that being a ‘champion’ isn’t just about medals – it’s about how you live, lead and lift others up.”

Meanwhile, Spaniard Asunción Batista – named best player in the world in beach handball in 2022 – spoke about what being an Athlete Role Model means to her: “Personally, this opportunity means growth, purpose and the chance to be part of something bigger than me.”

Senegal’s flagbearer at the Paris 2024 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Combe Seck (canoe sprint), spoke about what it means to serve as an Athlete Role Model in her own city: “This opportunity represents a real challenge and is a great source of pride for me. Being an Athlete Role Model in Dakar, my city, is a chance to push myself, bring value and contribute to something truly meaningful.”

Jamila Lunkuse, a two-time Olympian in swimming from Uganda, spoke of what she wants to achieve in this role: “Representation really matters to me… I want to be that visible presence for young athletes that I didn’t always have.”

Douglas Brose – a Brazilian karateka and one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of men’s kumite – explained why he wanted to be an Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026: “I didn’t build my career only to win medals – I built it to open paths.”

On this milestone announcement, IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi said: “Like many in our society, young athletes naturally look up to Olympians for guidance and inspiration. At every edition of the YOG, we have witnessed the incredible impact of Athlete Role Models in terms of athlete experience, and that’s why we are convinced that these outstanding role models will play a central role during Dakar 2026 and beyond. They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal. Their contribution will be invaluable in supporting the mission of Dakar 2026 and empowering the next generation to chase their dreams.”

This announcement underscores the IOC’s commitment to delivering a meaningful athlete experience at the Youth Olympic Games, while supporting the legacy of Dakar 2026 in Senegal and across Africa.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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Hospitality

Integral Appointed as Referral Agent for Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal for FIFA World Cup 26™ Hospitality Sales

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Integral

As a Referral Agent, Integral will play a strategic role in identifying and engaging high-value clients across these markets, ensuring they are directed to official and authorized hospitality channels

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 20, 2026/APO Group/ –On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™, has expanded its partnership with Integral (www.Integralsande.com), appointing the company as a Referral Agent in Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Senegal for the tournament’s official hospitality programme.

 

We are excited to deepen our relationship with Integral as we expand into new African markets

Building on its successful role as Nigeria’s Exclusive Sales Agent, Integral will now support awareness, market engagement, and client referrals across key West African markets, connecting fans, brands, and corporate organizations in Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Senegal to official FIFA World Cup 26™ hospitality experiences.

“We are excited to deepen our relationship with Integral as we expand into new African markets,” said Alicia Falken, General Manager of On Location’s FIFA World Cup 26™ business. “Their strong regional expertise and proven track record in delivering premium hospitality experiences make them a valuable partner in driving access to official FIFA World Cup 26™ offerings across West Africa.”

As a Referral Agent, Integral will play a strategic role in identifying and engaging high-value clients across these markets, ensuring they are directed to official and authorized hospitality channels.

Fans are urged not to purchase tickets or packages from unauthorized platforms or sellers as FIFA reserves the right to cancel tickets obtained via unofficial channels. While there may be offers of unauthorized tickets and hospitality packages currently in the market, On Location is the only official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™. On Location is proud to collaborate with respective Host Committees and their partners including local teams. Additionally On Location is partnering with Major League Soccer and the League’s clubs across the U.S. and Canada as official appointed Sales Agents for the tournament. The full list of authorized global sales agents will be published on https://FIFAWorldCup26.Hospitality.FIFA.com/ and added to, once a region is announced.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Integral.

 

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