Basketball lovers across sub-Saharan Africa are about to enter a golden era of the game, thanks to a landmark announcement: ESPN Africa has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for the next four years.
The agreement — running from 2025 to 2029 — is one of the most significant basketball broadcast deals on the continent, unlocking more than 1 500 international games across ESPN and ESPN2. With it comes world-class competition, unforgettable rivalries and the rise of a new generation of African stars competing on the global stage.
Full-Court Access to the World’s Biggest Basketball Moments
From the FIBA Basketball World Cups to the Continental Cups, Women’s World Cups, Youth World Cups, and pivotal Olympic qualifying events, viewers can expect wall-to-wall coverage of the highest levels of the game.
Fans across the region will enjoy live action from:
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Men’s and Women’s FIBA AfroBasket
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Men’s and Women’s FIBA Basketball World Cups
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Global qualification rounds
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Major international match-ups featuring powerhouse national teams
This monumental deal positions ESPN Africa as the heartbeat of premium basketball coverage, delivering the drama, athleticism and emotion of FIBA competition to African screens like never before.
Global Basketball, Local Passion
In a continent where basketball’s popularity continues to surge, ESPN Africa’s partnership with FIBA marks a defining moment in expanding access and igniting fan engagement.
“ESPN Africa remains committed to bringing viewers the very best in sport from around the world,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Basketball has an incredible following on the continent, and this collaboration with FIBA gives our audiences the opportunity to experience the global game in all its forms, from the biggest tournaments to the next generation of stars.”
This deal reinforces ESPN Africa’s vision: a platform where the intensity of global basketball meets the pride of African talent and fandom.
First Games on the Court: Opening Schedule
The action begins 27 November 2025, bringing African giants head-to-head in a high-stakes qualification window.
27 November 2025 — ESPN
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12:00 — Cameroon vs Cape Verde
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15:00 — South Sudan vs Libya
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18:00 — Nigeria vs Tunisia
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21:00 — Rwanda vs Guinea
28 November 2025 — ESPN2
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15:00 — Cape Verde vs South Sudan
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18:00 — Libya vs Cameroon
29 November 2025 — ESPN2
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15:00 — Guinea vs Nigeria
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18:00 — Tunisia vs Rwanda (Delayed)
30 November 2025
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12:00 (ESPN2) — Cameroon vs South Sudan
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15:00 (TBC – Delayed) — Libya vs Cape Verde
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18:00 (ESPN2) — Guinea vs Tunisia
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21:00 (TBC – Delayed) — Nigeria vs Rwanda
All times CAT/SAST. Schedule subject to change.
Where to Watch
Fans can tune in on:
ESPN: DStv 218, StarTimes 248
ESPN2: DStv 219, StarTimes 249
Disney+ (South Africa) for additional content
Basketball lovers are also encouraged to stay connected via @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit ESPN.com for updates, insights and in-depth coverage.
A Transformational Moment for African Basketball
As the continent continues to produce world-renowned talent and electrifying competition, this FIBA-ESPN partnership ensures African fans are not just spectators — they are part of the global basketball story.
This four-year deal is more than broadcast rights; it is a celebration of African passion, global excellence and the future of the sport.
