Application Deadline : August 12, 2026
Operating Partners
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, ALX Ventures, Afreximbank leadership, and other corporate stakeholders who provide guidance on business model design, brand building, and go-to-market strategy.
3–4
Finalists Go In-Person
Top finalists advance to an exclusive in-person experience with BAL and Afreximbank — a career-defining moment to close out the program.
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, ALX Ventures, 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
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 BAL connection?
Tell us about your time as a BAL player, national team player, or national league athlete.
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.
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:
- Applicants with no BAL, national team, or national league affiliation
- Applications submitted after the deadline
- Athletes unable to commit 4-6 hours per week to the program
- Incomplete applications without a business concept or idea
How It Works
Program Timeline
01
Applications Open — July 24, 2026
Marketing campaign launches alongside a 3-week application window.
02
Rolling Review — Begins July 28, 2026
4 days after launch; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
03
Applications Close — August 12, 2026
Final selection of the cohort takes place August 13–14.
04
Program — August 24 – October 11, 2026
7 weeks. Online cohort begins the Monday following cohort announcement.
05
Finalist Selection — Week of September 14
In Week 4, 3-4 finalists are selected for the in-person experience.
06
In-Person Experience
Near program close-out, finalists join BAL and Afreximbank for an exclusive in-person event.
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; finalists attend an in-person experience.
Approximately 4-6 hours per week, not including the in-person experience.
Your next play could be your best play.
Apply before August 12, 2026 to unlock your entrepreneurial potential with BAL Advance: Next Play.