Kenyan basketball champions Nairobi City Thunder have strengthened their preparations for the 2025/26 season after signing a strategic partnership with leading hospitality brand Sarova Hotels & Resorts.
The agreement names Sarova as the club’s Official Hospitality Partner, providing accommodation and hospitality support as Thunder continues its push to establish itself among Africa’s top basketball teams.
Boost for BAL Ambitions
The partnership comes as Nairobi City Thunder gears up for another campaign in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), following its historic achievement as the first Kenyan club to compete in the continental competition.
Through the deal, the team will access hospitality services across Sarova’s flagship properties, including Sarova Stanley, Sarova Panafric, and Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa.
The collaboration will also include fan engagement activities, media activations, exclusive content opportunities, and player experiences throughout the season.
Thunder Targets Continental Growth
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Colin Rasmussen described the partnership as a significant milestone in the club’s development.
“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,” he said.
Corporate Support for Kenyan Basketball
The partnership underscores the growing commercial appeal of basketball in Kenya, with major brands increasingly investing in the sport as local clubs expand their presence on the continental stage.
According to Mita Vohra, the hospitality group is proud to support a club representing Kenya 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,” she said.
Growing Influence On and Off the Court
The agreement marks another major off-court achievement for Nairobi City Thunder, which has established itself as one of Kenya’s most successful basketball clubs. The team is a two-time unbeaten champion of the Kenya National Basketball League and continues to champion professionalism and commercial growth within the sport.
As Kenyan basketball gains momentum internationally, the Thunder-Sarova partnership reflects growing confidence from corporate Kenya in the future of the game and Nairobi City Thunder’s emergence as one of the country’s leading sporting brands.