NAIROBI, Kenya – National basketball champions Nairobi City Thunder have renewed their partnership with asset financing company M-Kopa for the 2025/26 season, a move set to fuel the club's domestic and continental ambitions. The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, solidifying a collaboration that has been pivotal to the team's recent historic achievements.

The sponsorship will provide crucial financial support for Thunder's campaign to defend their Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) title and their upcoming journey in the 'Road to BAL', the qualifiers for the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL). This marks a significant moment for Kenyan basketball, underscoring the increasing role of corporate backing in elevating local sports to international standards.

A Partnership for Growth

Leaders from both organizations emphasized a shared vision of empowering youth and developing communities through sport. Colin Rasmussen, CEO of Twende Elite, the entity that owns Nairobi City Thunder, expressed gratitude for M-Kopa's continued support. "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," Rasmussen stated on Tuesday. He highlighted a joint commitment to creating tangible impact for players, fans, and the next generation of athletes.

M-Kopa Kenya's General Manager, Martin King’ori, echoed these sentiments, affirming the company's dedication to grassroots initiatives. "We believe in supporting initiatives that unlock potential and create pathways for young Kenyans to dream bigger," King'ori said. "Sport has a unique power to inspire communities and open doors that might otherwise remain closed." The renewed agreement will see M-Kopa's branding featured on the team's game-day shorts, warm-up gear, and through in-venue and digital activations.

Thunder's Meteoric Rise

Nairobi City Thunder's journey has been one of rapid ascent since its acquisition in 2023 by Twende Sports Limited, a group co-founded by Rasmussen and former Nigerian national team captain Stephen Domingo. The acquisition transformed the club into Kenya's first fully professional basketball team, a move that has paid significant dividends.

The team, formerly known as NSSF Stars and later International Christian Church, has a history dating back to 1998. However, the recent professionalization has propelled them to new heights. In the 2023/24 season, under coach Brad Ibs, Thunder completed an undefeated run to clinch the KNBL title, defeating the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the finals. This victory secured their place in the BAL qualifiers, a first for the club.

Their continental debut was historic. In late 2024, Nairobi City Thunder became the first Kenyan team to qualify for the main BAL tournament, a landmark achievement for the nation's basketball scene. Their performance in the Elite 16 qualifiers, including a decisive victory over Uganda's City Oilers, captured the attention of the African basketball community.

The 'So What' for Kenya

The M-Kopa and Nairobi City Thunder partnership is more than a standard sponsorship deal; it represents a potential blueprint for the future of Kenyan sports. For years, many local leagues and teams have struggled with financial instability, hindering talent development and international competitiveness. Consistent corporate investment, as seen with Thunder, provides the stability needed to professionalize operations, retain top talent, and compete at the highest level.

This collaboration directly impacts the national basketball ecosystem. By enabling Thunder to attract top players—including Kenyan stars who were previously playing abroad—and provide them with professional contracts, the standard of the domestic league is elevated. Furthermore, Thunder's success on the continent serves as an inspiration for young, aspiring players and raises the profile of Kenyan basketball, potentially attracting more investment and opportunities.

The 'Road to BAL' is the official qualification tournament organized by FIBA Africa, where national league champions from across the continent compete for a spot in the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League. Thunder's participation not only provides invaluable exposure for its players but also places Kenya firmly on the African basketball map. As the team prepares for its second continental campaign, the renewed backing from M-Kopa provides the critical momentum needed to build on their historic success and continue raising the bar for the sport in Kenya.