Application Deadline : August 19, 2026
Official Sponsor
About the Program
From the court to the boardroom.
BAL Advance: Next Play helps athletes transition their leadership, discipline, perspective, and competitive mindset into the world of business. This program provides a curated pathway for entrepreneurial athletes to accelerate their business ideas through tailored resources, mentorship, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Participants gain access to industry experts, investors, and strategic partners while developing practical skills to build, launch, or scale their ventures.
Value to Athletes
Real mentorship. Real access.
7
Week Mentorship Program
Selected athletes are paired with mentors from BAL, Afreximbank leadership, and other corporate stakeholders who provide guidance on business model design, brand building, and go-to-market strategy.
25-30
Athletes Join The Program
25-30 players are selected for the cohort. From this group, 3-4 representatives join an in-person experience with BAL and Afreximbank as program ambassadors.
Benefits of the Program
Everything you need to build what's next.
01
1:1 business coaching and advisory from global experts and industry mentors
02
Brand visibility across the BAL and Afreximbank ecosystem
03
Masterclasses on business model design, branding, fundraising & more
04
Pitch refinement with mock rounds and expert guidance
05
Networking opportunities with alumni, investors & clients
06
Personalized roadmap to help you hit product, revenue, or growth goals
07
In-person experience in a major city for top finalists
08
Spotlight and recognition at program close-out
Who We're Looking For
Eligibility
We're looking for athletes who:
- Are a current or former BAL player (Seasons 1–6), national team player, or national league D1/D2 player
- Have a demonstrated passion for business or startup ventures
- Have a business concept at any stage (idea, prototype, or early traction)
- Can fully commit to virtual workshops and homework assignments
- Have a vision to create value within the African sports ecosystem
- Can represent the BAL brand with strong communication and professionalism
We will NOT consider:
- Applications submitted after the deadline
- Athletes unable to commit 3 hours per week to the program
- Incomplete applications without a business concept or idea
What to Expect in the Application
Applying is simple — but meaningful.
We want to get to know your business idea beyond the surface. The full application takes about 30 minutes to complete.
What's your startup's story?
Who do you serve, what problem do you solve, and what makes your solution different?
What's your elite basketball connection?
Tell us about your time as a BAL, BAL4ER, National Team, D1 or D2 player
Where are you today?
Share your business concept stage — idea, prototype, or early traction.
Who's behind the business?
Introduce your co-founders or team, if any.
What impact are you creating?
Tell us how your work will create value on and off the court.
How It Works
Program Timeline
01
Applications Open — August 12, 2026
02
Rolling Review — Begins August 12, 2026
03
Applications Close — August 19, 2026
04
Program — August 24 – October 16, 2026
All dates are subject to change.
Hear From Cohort 1, 2025
Testimonials
The NYC Trip was an unforgettable experience — a new, global perspective on the sports industry.
The Athletepreneur mentorship and 1:1 office hours gave me real clarity and structure for my business idea.
Hearing directly from entrepreneurs, founders, and former NBA players was the most valuable part of the whole program.
Hearing directly from entrepreneurs, founders, and former NBA players was the most valuable part of the whole program.
Hearing directly from entrepreneurs, founders, and former NBA players was the most valuable part of the whole program.
Start Your Application
Personal Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
~30 minutes; basketball background, business idea, and program commitment.
Current/former BAL players (Seasons 1–6), men’s/women’s national team players, and current/former D1/D2 national league players with an entrepreneurial idea.
No application or participation fee.
7-week core program is virtual; representatives attend an in-person experience.
Approximately 3 hours per week.
Your next play could be your best play.
Apply before August 19, 2026 to unlock your entrepreneurial potential with BAL Advance: Next Play.