Basketball is booming across Africa, and now its story is set to reach the world in a big way.
The documentary series Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) will have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 8 September 2025.
This exciting series captures how basketball is transforming the continent’s sports scene like never before.
Tracing the Journey of the Basketball Africa League
Co-directed by Tebogo Malope and co-produced by Akin Omotoso, Origin tells the compelling story behind the BAL — the NBA’s first ever partnership to run a league outside North America.
The documentary follows the league’s inaugural season and playoffs, showcasing 12 of Africa’s top basketball clubs competing at the highest level.
The league is the brainchild of visionary leaders Amadou Gallo Fall, president of the BAL, and Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and former Toronto Raptors executive.
Together, they realized a dream of creating a premier basketball competition rooted in African talent and culture.
Elevating African Talent to the World
For many, the BAL represents more than just basketball.
As Masai Ujiri puts it, “For Africa, this league is more than sport, it’s a symbol of belief and resilience.”
He hopes the series will spotlight the incredible talent coming from the continent and inspire millions watching worldwide.
South African fans will especially connect with this message, having witnessed the league’s growth firsthand.
In June 2025, the BAL’s fifth season playoffs and finals took place at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena, attracting celebrities, media personalities, and former NBA stars like Tracy McGrady.
The event underscored basketball’s power to unite diverse African communities through sport.
A League with Deep Historical Roots and Economic Impact
Amadou Gallo Fall describes the BAL as “the culmination of decades of work” between the NBA and FIBA.
Their aim has been clear: to create pathways for African players to develop professionally while boosting local economies.
The documentary highlights not only the sporting milestones but also the wider socio-economic influence the league has sparked.
It explores how basketball is bridging Africa and North America, opening doors for players, entrepreneurs, and cultural exchange.
Exclusive Insights from Global Icons
Origin features exclusive interviews with major figures including former US President Barack Obama, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and NBA champion Pascal Siakam from Cameroon.
South African Grammy-winning artist and BAL player J. Cole also appears, adding a unique cultural perspective.
Richard Brown, executive producer and co-director of the documentary, expressed pride in sharing stories that go beyond basketball.
“From Dakar to Kigali and Lagos to Cairo, the BAL reflects the hopes of a dynamic generation of young Africans.
It symbolises the continent’s limitless potential,” he said.
South Africa’s Place in Basketball’s New Era
With its rich sporting culture, South Africa is a key player in this basketball revolution.
The Origin docuseries offers a vivid and inspiring look at how the BAL is shaping the future of sports across Africa, highlighting South Africa’s role as a central stage in this extraordinary journey.