Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers have been handed a demanding Group A draw alongside European champions Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania and Chinese champions Shanghai Sharks at the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Beijing.
The tournament will take place from September 22 to 27, bringing together six teams representing different basketball regions, with RSSB Tigers making their debut as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) champions.
RSSB Tigers will open their campaign against Rytas Vilnius on September 22 before facing Shanghai Sharks on September 24. The group-stage fixtures will be played at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing.
Rytas Vilnius qualified as the winners of the Basketball Champions League Europe, while Shanghai Sharks earned their place as champions of the Chinese Basketball Association.
The other three teams in the tournament are Argentina’s Boca Juniors, hosts Beijing Royal Fighters and NBA G League United, a select team from the United States.
The six teams have been divided into two groups of three. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for September 27.
RSSB Tigers secured their place in the global tournament after winning the BAL title, becoming Africa’s representatives at an event that will bring together champions from across the basketball world.
For the Rwandan side, the Beijing tournament will mark its first appearance in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, alongside Rytas Vilnius, Shanghai Sharks, Beijing Royal Fighters and Boca Juniors, who are also making their debuts.
