The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) provides an overview of the 2025 basketball league and annual calendar while also explaining why the men’s league will feature a limited number of nine teams.
The governing body for basketball in Rwanda, on Friday, January 24, at BK Arena, outlined that the men’s league would feature only nine teams and clarified the decision to demote Flames during a media briefing.
Among the topics discussed, the decision to exclude Flames from the teams competing in the top tier drew the most attention and required detailed clarification.
FERWABA highlighted challenges encountered by previously promoted clubs, which struggled to sustain themselves financially throughout the season, leading to unfulfilled contracts and a tarnished reputation for the league.
To address these issues, the general assembly required newly promoted teams to submit a detailed action plan, including player and coach contracts, and demonstrate financial stability with a capital of 100 million Rwandan francs or a clear source of funding to support the entire season.
Despite being given a deadline of Friday, January 17, Flames failed to meet these requirements, resulting in their demotion to the lower division.
Claudette Mugwaneza Habimana, FERWABA’s technical advisor responsible for player eligibility and licensing, clarified the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing that it stemmed from the general assembly rather than the executive committee.
“We have experienced situations in previous seasons where promoted teams start the league strongly but face financial crises midway. This often leaves them with only five players or no coach, disrupting the league,” Mugwaneza explained.
“As a result, the general assembly decided that newly promoted teams must provide an action plan with a budget of at least 100 million Rwandan francs. Flames failed to fulfill these requirements by the deadline, which led to their demotion,” she added.
Following this decision, Flames, a youth-based team, returns to the second division as FERWABA revises the lower division’s schedule, and Flames will receive their fixtures next week.
The demotion of the Flames means the Rwanda Basketball League will proceed with 9 men’s teams with no other team being promoted to replace the Flames, as the same financial challenges could arise with a new team.
This decision aligns with FERWABA’s broader vision to transform the Rwanda Basketball League into a professional league. According to José Eduard Munyangaju, the vice president in charge of competitions, ensuring club stability is a key step in this transformation.
“We are starting with club stability to ensure financial sustainability. Soon, we will share a document outlining the terms of reference for consulting on how a professional league can operate in Rwanda. Discussions will follow, and by the 2026 season, we hope to have a clear roadmap for the league’s future,” Munyangaju stated.
The 2025 men’s league games will take place entirely in Kigali, at LDK, Kepler, Petit Stade, and BK Arena.
The defending champions, APR, who were originally scheduled to face the Flames on opening day, will now tip off their season against Orion on Saturday, January 25, at LDK.
FERWABA reports that the Rwanda Basketball League is the fourth most followed championship in Africa.
