Nairobi City Thunder has strengthened its preparations for another Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign after signing a strategic partnership with leading hospitality brand Sarova Hotels & Resorts.
The deal names Sarova as the club’s Official Hospitality Partner for the 2025/26 season, providing accommodation and hospitality support as Thunder continues its quest to cement its status among Africa’s elite basketball clubs.
The partnership comes at a crucial time for the Kenyan champions, who are preparing to represent the country in BAL Season 6 after making history as the first Kenyan club to compete in the prestigious continental competition.
Under the agreement, Nairobi City Thunder will benefit from hospitality services across Sarova’s flagship properties, including Sarova Stanley, Sarova Panafric, and Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa. The collaboration will also feature fan engagement initiatives, media activations, exclusive content opportunities, and player experiences throughout the season.
Speaking after the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Twende Elite Limited CEO Colin Rasmussen said the partnership represents another major milestone in the club’s growth journey.
“Partnering with Sarova Hotels & Resorts is a great step for us as we continue building a modern Kenyan sports brand with continental ambitions. Sarova represents quality, hospitality, and excellence – values that strongly align with who we are as Nairobi City Thunder.”
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The partnership highlights the growing commercial appeal of basketball in Kenya, with major brands increasingly investing in the sport as clubs expand their reach beyond local competition and onto the continental stage.
Sarova Hotels & Resorts Sales, Marketing and Revenue Director Mita Vohra said the hospitality giant was proud to back a club carrying Kenya’s ambitions across Africa.
“Nairobi City Thunder represents the ambition, discipline, and excellence that define the Kenya we are proud to serve. We are honoured to stand behind them as they carry the Kenyan flag across Africa.”
The agreement marks another significant off-court victory for the Thunder, who have established themselves as one of the most successful teams in Kenyan basketball. The club is a two-time unbeaten Kenya National Basketball League champion and continues to set the pace for professionalism and commercial growth in the sport.
As Kenyan basketball gains momentum on the continental stage, the Thunder-Sarova partnership signals increasing confidence from corporate Kenya in the game’s future and the growing influence of Nairobi City Thunder as one of the country’s premier sporting brands.
