Nairobi City Thunder land partners ahead of home BAL Elite 16 tournament

Kenya's back-to-back basketball champions Nairobi City Thunder have renewed their partnership with leading fintech M-KOPA to support the team during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16, taking place in Nairobi from 18 -23 November.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The announcement marks the second time the two parties are collaborating, following their partnership last year that resulted in Thunder becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify to the main BAL tournament.

At the same stage last year, Thunder powered seamlessly through the home Elite 16, winning all its matches to romp into the continental stage, where they made more history by becoming the first team in the country to record a BAL win, beating South African opponents Made by Ball Basketball (MBB) 85-76 in May.

Nairobi set to host key FIBA continental qualifying events

“We are deeply grateful for M-KOPA’s continued belief in Nairobi City Thunder and in the future of Kenyan basketball," Nairobi City Thunder CEO Colin Rasmussen said.

"This partnership fuels our ambition to raise the standard of the game, expand access for young talent, and create opportunities that extend well beyond the court.

We share a clear vision with M-KOPA to empower communities through sport—and together we’re committed to turning that vision into tangible impact for our fans, our players, and the next generation.”

‍The collaboration this year will include enhanced visibility for M-KOPA across Thunder’s official gameday shorts, warm-up gear, and in-venue activations, as well as a strong digital presence through co-branded social media content celebrating ambition, progress, and community.

M-KOPA General Manager Martin Kingori said he was proud to continue the company's partnership with Thunder and Twende, who are offering a platform to the inspirational power of sports.

Deaflympics: What Kenyan decathlete is banking on ahead of Summer Games

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Nairobi City Thunder and the Twende team," Kingori said. "We believe in supporting grassroots initiatives that unlock potential and create pathways for young Kenyans to dream bigger. Sport has a unique power to inspire communities and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Watching Thunder compete on the continental stage has been truly special, and we commend the Twende team for their commitment to giving our players the platform they deserve. We are excited to stand with them as they continue to raise the bar for Kenyan basketball."

Thunder, playing in the East Division, will be joined in the BAL Elite 16 tournament by: Zambian champions Matero Magic, Dar City Basketball of Tanzania, Uganda's Namuwongo Blazers, Johannesburg Giants from South Africa, as well as Mozambique's Ferroviario da Beira.

‍