Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the new ESPN docuseries “Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League”.
How to watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League outside the US on ESPN
To watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League outside the US, connect to a secure VPN and choose a United States server. Once connected, visit the ESPN website and sign in with a valid TV provider or streaming subscription to stream the full documentary.
Synopsis
Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League is a new series that follows the creation, launch, and inaugural season of the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, documenting how a long-envisioned idea became a historic professional competition across the African continent.
This four-part ESPN documentary takes viewers inside the founding of the BAL, the NBA’s first partnership to operate a league outside North America. The series tracks the league’s opening season in a caravan format featuring 12 top club teams from across Africa’s 54 countries. Through exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, it highlights the determination of leaders like Amadou Gallo Fall and Masai Ujiri, while also spotlighting players and coaches competing to become the league’s first champions.
Beyond the court, the series explores how basketball acts as a unifying force across Africa’s diverse cultures and how the BAL builds new pathways between Africa and North America. High-profile voices including President Barack Obama, Stephen Curry, J. Cole, Adam Silver, and Dikembe Mutombo reflect on the league’s broader social and economic impact.
When Does Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League Premiere?
Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League premieres on February 11 exclusively on the ESPN app and ESPN website
Where to Watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League in the US
In the United States, you can watch and stream Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League on the ESPN app or through the ESPN website. Simply sign in with your TV provider or eligible streaming subscription to access the full four-part documentary on demand.
Where to Watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League in Canada
Canadian viewers can stream Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League on Crave starting February 11, 2026. The complete four-episode series is available to stream with an active Crave subscription.
Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 consists of four episodes that follow the BAL’s first year.
- Episode 1 – The Long Road to the BAL – Premiere date: February 11, 2026
The series opens as the Basketball Africa League prepares for its historic debut, setting the stage for the first game and introducing the architects behind the vision. - Episode 2 – Right Here, Right Now – Premiere date: February 11, 2026
As group-stage games begin, players and organizers reflect on what the BAL means for Africa’s image and future in global basketball. - Episode 3 – More than a Game – Premiere date: February 11, 2026
With the playoffs underway, the documentary examines Africa’s complex history while highlighting the hopes tied to the league’s long-term success. - Episode 4 – The Stage is Set – Premiere date: February 11, 2026
The inaugural season builds toward its championship climax, showcasing the teams competing to make history as the first BAL title winners.
Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League Cast
The documentary features prominent global leaders, basketball executives, and athletes who appear as themselves, sharing firsthand insight into the creation of the Basketball Africa League.
- President Barack Obama as Strategic Partner of NBA Africa
- Masai Ujiri as Executive Producer and BAL Advocate
- Amadou Gallo Fall as BAL President
- Joakim Noah as Former NBA All-Star
- J. Cole as Rwanda Patriots Player
- Dikembe Mutombo as NBA Legend
- Stephen Curry as NBA Champion
- Pascal Siakam as NBA Champion
- Adam Silver as NBA Commissioner
On What Devices Can You Watch ESPN?
You can stream ESPN across a wide range of supported devices through the ESPN app or website.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Mobile Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox |
Can You Watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League Documentary Online for Free?
Yes. You can watch Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League online for free by accessing ESPN through a YouTube TV free trial. New subscribers can start a trial period and stream the full documentary at no additional cost during the trial window.
Is Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League Suitable for All Ages?
The documentary is generally suitable for teens and adults, particularly sports fans and viewers interested in global development stories. While it focuses on basketball and leadership, some discussions around socio-economic challenges and political history may be better suited for older children and adults. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
FAQs
Who directed Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League?
The series was executive produced, written, and co-directed by Richard Brown, with co-direction by Tebogo Malope.
Who are the executive producers behind the documentary?
Executive producers include Masai Ujiri, Akin Omotoso, and Fisher Stevens, alongside Richard Brown.
How many teams are featured in the Basketball Africa League’s inaugural season?
The inaugural BAL season featured 12 top club teams representing countries across Africa, competing in a unique caravan-style format that brought games to multiple host cities.
Trailer
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