Launch of Basketball Africa League postponed due to coronavirus concerns

The Basketball Africa League is postponing the start of its first season due to the “escalating health concerns related to the coronavirus,” BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall said in a statement on Tuesday.

The league, which announced its 12 teams during All-Star Weekend, was scheduled to begin March 13 in Dakar, Senegal.

"Following the recommendation of the Senegalese government regarding the escalating health concerns related to the coronavirus, the BAL’s inaugural season will be postponed. I am disappointed we are not able to tip off this historic league as scheduled but look forward to the highly-anticipated launch of the BAL at a later date.”

The following statement has been issued: pic.twitter.com/EUGEaYCBcP

Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria all have confirmed cases of coronavirus, and all four countries have a team playing in the BAL this season. Games are scheduled to be played in Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Angola and Tunisia with Rwanda playing host to the playoffs and finals.

The league was announced a year ago and had some big-time backers, including the NBA, FIBA, Nike and Jordan Brand.

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