Big Money, Bigger Dreams: Thunder Secure KSh10 Million as Playoffs Beckon

It couldn’t come at a better time; Kenya’s basketball leader just got sponsored by I&M Bank. Basketball powerhouse Nairobi City Thunder has received a KSh10 million sponsorship deal from banking lifeline I&M Bank. The reigning champions have signed the deal weeks before they begin their playoff push, aiming to continue growing their brand beyond Kenya and onto the continent.

The Thunder have also announced that I&M Bank will be their official banking partner for the remainder of the 2026 season.

“Our ambitions for Nairobi City Thunder and Kenyan basketball are vast. This partnership with I&M Bank Kenya is a testament to those ambitions,” said Thunder CEO Colin Rasmussen.

Thundering into History

Over the last three seasons, Nairobi City Thunder have established themselves as the standard for Kenyan basketball and the favorites for odds makers at the best betting sites ranked on Bettingtop10.ke. Capturing two successive league titles in 20 24 and 20 25, Thunder became the first team in the Kenyan Premier Basketball League to win back-to-back championship seasons undefeated.

The Thunder is the team that every other franchise fears facing. Heading into the postseason, they will be looking to add more silverware to their cabinet and build on their success on the continental stage. Not only did they win the KPL title last season, but they were also crowned the first Kenyan team to be eligible for the Basketball Africa League in 2024. They returned to the BAL last season, 2025, to show that their first season there was no fluke.

Fuel for the Playoff Charge

Nairobi City Thunder have been thrust into the playoffs at the best time possible with this financial boost from I&M Bank Kenya. More than likely, some of that cash will go towards players’ welfare, traveling costs, training programs, and running the basketball club. Simply having the most talented players isn’t enough to win championships these days. You need a great foundation!

Thunder now have that under their belt and more to fight for another local title and make their mark on the BAL. Signing a deal like this is more than just a cheque for Thunder. CEO Colin Rasmussen says this deal shows confidence not only in the basketball club but also in the growth of basketball in Kenya.

“To see a company of I&M Bank Kenya’s size partner with us shows just how far we’ve come as a basketball organization and how basketball is continuing to explode in Kenya.”

Basketball is becoming the money-making sport that corporations want to invest in. Thunder is proof that basketball is here to stay and attracts plenty of eyeballs, especially from the younger generation!

Dreaming Bigger

Another league title is every NBA team’s Thunder goal this season, but they have also made it known they want to be household names across the continent. The Thunder have been singing the blues about becoming one of Africa’s elite basketball franchises, and now they might just have what it takes to make that a reality.

They have the funds, growing hype, and culture of winning. All that’s left is to prove they can ball on the BIG stage.